Monique Lhuillier Brides Down The Rabbit Hole SS16

It looks like a lot of designers are into fairy tales for weddings this year. Monique Lhuillier's 2016 bridal collection had Alice in Wonderland as her muse. The presentation was held in the gorgeous Baccarat Hotel's Grand Salon.

While the inspiration is not seen as a literal representation in the collection, Lhuillier saw her bride as someone who was exploring curiosity and fantasy. Instead of an all-white collection, there were gowns of blush, honey, mint and pale blue. Almost every look had a dramatic skirt silhouette. There were lots and lots of layers of transparent fabrics. One would be a mountain of tulle. Another dress was graduated organza. Trumpet shapes gowns, flowing lace, every bride was meant to make a huge impression entering or leaving a room.

As per her signature look, Monique Lhuillier incorporated rich, delicate embroidery into her collection. Also, she is a master of fabric manipulation in her gowns. It is not a surprise that so many celebrities choose Lhuillier for their red carpet or wedding look. Her gowns are timeless glamor.

Photos by Greg Kessler

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#NYBW: Monique Lhuilliers Bridal 2015

 Were you obsessed with jewel box ballerinas as a child like I was? I'm so happy that Monique Lhuillier’s bridal collection for 2015 shows that she loved them as much as I did. 

Her latest collection of wedding dresses was inspired by ballet dancers and the delights of an open jewelry box.  The featured model on the runway was Alvin Ailey dancer Anne O'Dell.   The gowns were offered a range of off-white pastels in additional ivory and white.  Intricate lace was paired with trumpeted silhouettes or layers of tulle in elaborate full skirts were like the dresses I fantasized about as a clumsy ballet student in first grade. 

The delicate embroideries of this collection included gold edged fabric flowers and chiffon leaves in a vine pattern.  She does a great job in using dainty motifs accented with some sparkle in the form of crystals or pearls.  She has used a few of my embroidery designs in the past.  She was always meticulous about layout and balance of the design.

Monique Lhuillier's shoes collection was also highlighted on catwalk.  The shoes were named after famous characters from classic ballet productions, like "Odile", "Odette" and "Belle".

While her main collection at NY Fashion Week often has more forward looks, her bridal group is unapologetically romantic. Why shouldn’t it? Your wedding day is a celebration of love.  Your Monique Lhuillier wedding dress should be a treasure.

Photos courtesy of Monique Lhuillier/HL Group

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NY FASHION WEEK: Monique Lhuillier Spring 2014

Summer is for sorbet.  That was the color palette for Monique Lhuillier's collection for Mercedes-Benz Fashion week.  Frothy chiffons in tangerine, raspberry, peach and ombre shades like vanilla blending into chocolate.  

Monique has always used pretty embroideries (including some of my own designs).  This season, the textile designs I loved the most were the three dimensional laser cut flowers and fringed flowers that looked they vines creeping all over a gown.  They both looked very fresh and bright.  They were perfect for those red carpet events that take place in bright daylight, but the starlet still needs a glamorous gown for the paparazzi.  

The other long, solid colored dresses were also destined for a red carpet.  The runway looked like a flurry of silk chiffon fairies were drifting down.  Note to new designers, light sheer fabrics show off movement beautifully and always works as photographer bait as you can see below:

What is your favorite flavor of summer?

original photos by David TW Leung

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#NYFW: Monique Lhuillier Fall 2014

Beauty, no beasts.  Monique Lhuillier presented a beautiful collection last night at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week with options ranging from darkness to light.  The fall 2014 runway started with slim sheath-like silhouettes for day and night.  The palette began with somber black and cool grey.

The show progressed into vampy beaded, lacy and sexy dresses that fit very close to the body.  To contrast the darker looks, there were flared white and pale gold dresses that were short or long.  It reminded me of an ultra-glamorous Swan Lake being played out on the catwalk.  The sheer number of black dresses in proportion to the rest of the collection is very telling in what people want to buy. Most West Coast designers have a lot of color, especially for a designer very popular for the red carpet.  However, in NYC, we all know how much we love our noir-dominated wardrobes, so Monique knows how to cater to that.

The sleek, fitted looks did not dominate this show completely.  There were two show-stopping ballgowns that took up the width of the runway.  A very pretty pink petal print on black satin ground is sure to end up being worn by a future award winner.  A hot pink scrolled floral embroidered coat on black satin gave an extra level of luxury to a solid colored dress.

Here's to living every night like you're going to walk a red carpet...

Photos by David TW Leung

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NYFW: Monique Lhuillier Fall 2016 Disco Brocade

How gorgeous was this collection? Monique Lhuillier's fall 2016 fashion show last night was a parade of fantasy outfits for the real woman. There was a continued influence of the 1970's trend in some of the colors and silhouettes, but not in an obvious way.

The fabrics were all about texture. There were a lot more daywear looks than I was used to from Monique Lhuillier. Embroidered and appliqued flowers had bright colors in the form of petunias and poppies. Metallic textures was a big story here and across fall 2016 for designers in general. Instead of dark cliche "autumn" colors, the designer chose bright, green, pink, teal and gold. 

Monique Lhuillier's signature look is delicate, luxurious and feminine. I felt that this season was all of the above, but with a more contemporary look. This collection was for the younger woman who wants all of the luxe and elegance of designer clothing, but without being fussy or stiff. 

Of course, the big ballgowns that the photographers love to shoot made their way down the runway. We were not disappointed. I hope to see some of these on upcoming award show red carpets next. Monique Lhuillier fall 2016 was too gorgeous.

all photos by Mariana Leung

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Monique Lhuillier Fall 2013

 Emerald may be the color of the year, but Monique Lhuillier bejeweled her Fall 2013 runway in malachite.  The marbled green stone was both the backdrop and the most prominent print at her runway show.

The designer is making moves to expand her brand, with new boutiques and dominating the red carpet.  There were a lot more day looks with lots of drama with fur and feathers.  Graphic, animal-like prints like tigers and snake type patterns brought a bold, sexy look to the models.  Unfortunately, if I didn't know any better, I might have mistaken them for looks I expected to find on a Roberto Cavalli runway.

The most gorgeous gowns of course, are the ones Monique does best... Flowing, long evening gowns that follow the curves of the body embellished with intricate beading and embroidery.  I'm proud to say that in seasons past, I myself had contributed to the jeweled, rich beading that Monique is known for.  The short, embroidered dresses are my personal favorites.  If I lived the fantasy life I imagine, I would love to consider these my personal daywear.

More photos of the collection: 

Photos by Cassandra Past

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#NYFW: Monique Lhuillier Spring 2015

Monique Lhuillier’s Spring 2015 collection for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week was a dreamscape.  There were layers and layers of sheer fabrics.  There were shimmering shades of pastel to shiny iridescent fabrics. 

The most beloved (by me) are the full skirted gowns with delicate floral embroidery.  To me, that is Monique’s signature look (one that I have contributed to in past seasons as an embellishment designer).  The dark purple against the pale lilac was striking and feminine.  Look for these to head the red carpet in upcoming awards seasons.  There was mint green, pale yellow, ivory and pale blue gowns also with elegant embroidery.  These would also make a gorgeous bridal alternative for modern weddings.

The iridescent cocktail dresses will no doubt be popular among the affluent prom crowd.  While these might be crowd pleasers,  I have a longstanding prejudice that iridescent fabrics are cheap.  I might change my mind if I had an opportunity to touch the dresses in person, but I can’t get the movie “Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion” out of my head when I look at them. 

There was a black and white group towards the beginning of the show that featured laser-cut flowers as embellishment.  The petals fluttered as the models walked.  This motif was echoed in the iridescent flower confetti that showered the runway towards the end of the fashion show, (again, a little prom-like).  I think Monique Lhuillier is make fans off women in high school and outfit fit them for every major event through until their wedding (or Academy Award).

 Not a bad business plan.

photos by Mariana Leung

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#NYFW Monique Lhuillier Fall 2015

No one keeps new school Hollywood looking like old school glamour than Monique Lhuillier. Her fall 2015 collection at New York fashion week show had rich jewel tones in flowing silk charmeuse, lace and beading.

While each style looked contemporary, the artfully draped silk or high-necked lace made the models look equally as comfortable in silver screens of decades past. A pale fur coat was beautifully beaded with jewels. Artful lace was appliqued in flattering lines around the body. The dresses and jackets are destined for many a red carpet (and have likely already worn to award shows this year). The model's hair was blown sleek and straight, off to the side. Some wore their hair back in a ponytail so it wouldn't interfere with a detailed neck area. 

photos by Mariana Leung

I was backstage watching her design staff sew last minute additions and steaming out long silk georgette looks. Back in my early design days, I remember those up-all-night prep sessions only to have to refit again when your model was switched out at the last minute.

The set-up of this show was unusual. Half of the venue was empty (which mean half the number of guests would be accommodated). Instead, the empty risers acted as a staggered platform for models to pose on after they completed their catwalk strut. At first, I couldn't figure out why they would waste precious seats. I realized at the end of the show, the models walked forward and posed again directly in front of the guests seats in a long pause. This allowed key editors to really examine the clothing details. This also gave guests with only a phone a chance to capture their own images.

Overall, this was a gorgeous collection by Monique Lhuillier. I found every look wearable for a truly sophisticated occasion.  

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Monique Lhuillier Spring 2013

Monique Lhuillier enchanted us from under the sea for her New York fashion week show. Fishtail gowns were fabricated in flowing water colors or fish scale embroideries for an exotic mermaid effect. 

The nature call didn't end there...Gorgeous prints resembled the bellies of insects (in a good way), some looked like butterfly wings, showing what beautiful things exist in our wild world.  Knee length dresses, high leg slits and trailing gowns were designed to be ready for the red carpet.  

I loved the deep color palette of teal, blue, fushia, black.  The lovely chiffons moved down the runway as if the models floated through water.  The shoes were sexy with cutouts and embellished lace stilettos. 

I am a little disappointed that there weren't as many beaded pieces that this designer is known for.  I am proud to say she has used a few of my designs.  Perhaps I'll see more beading in her bridal gowns?  

Photos by David TW Leung

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Red Carpet Drama from Monique Lhuillier Fall 2012

The Academy Awards are coming up next week.  The fishtail hem has been the most prominent trend this awards season.  Monique Lhuillier is a popular choice for celebrities looking to make an elegant impression. 

For her Fall 2012 collection, there were plenty of options for the red carpet.  My favorites were the fiery abstract prints in soft, gathered silks.  It was worked into gowns as well as shorter, day dresses.  Shaped leather details under the bust or at the waist gave many of her looks a sexier edge.  Not quite a corset, but they defined the waist and drew attention to the right curves.  The color palette had lots of black, maroon, red, brown and pewter.  Some shimmering embroidery and pieced lace brought extra luxury to some of the dresses as well.

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NYFW Fall 2016 Fashion Designer Sketches and Inspiration

Are you ready for NY Fashion Week? I am excited for the fall 2016 collections at NYFW. Here are some of my favorite fashion sketches from designers I will be covering this season. Georgine Ratelband was inspired by the darker villains and heroes of Grimm's Fairy Tales. This muse is particularly timely with the new exhibition at the Museum at FIT. Pamella Roland continues her architecturally inspired streak this fall with sleek lines with a futuristic look. She is mixing metallic and linear motifs to echo Tokyo's modern structures.

Vivienne Tam's motifs for fall are based on mosaic dreams. While Rubin Singer is also working with shapes and dimension created through mathematics. Beijing designer Chi Zhang is designing with a combo of street style and elegance.

Nicole Miller was rebelling against the move towards seasonless dressing. She addressed winter with a rich Nordic theme for a cozy collection. Monique Lhuillier designed with layers of textures to reflect the complex layers of thoughts and emotions of the modern woman. Dennis Basso created fall 2016 in the same spirit. He wanted to dress the bold, romantic and brash.

So there you have it. I hope you enjoyed today's sneak peek at the fashion designer sketches for the fall 2016 NYFW collections coming soon to Ms. Fabulous!

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Hot Flavors - Cool Style

Can you believe it is November? For fall 2012 fashion trends, it means it is time to turn up the heat!  Designers for New York Fashion Week brought out a palette of fiery colors.  Designers also kept you cozy with the big fuzzy trend of using fur.

This has been the year of the Girl on Fire.  It only seems appropriate that a hot color palette for fall ignites your wardrobe.  How gorgeous are the flame-like silk prints of Theia’s gown and Monique Lhuillier’s day dress?  Anna Sui brings out the fiery hues in different patterns while Pavoni, Josie Natori and Monique Lhuillier create heated silhouettes from flared chiffon, silk crepe or shiny leather 

Fur can be super luxurious if you have the budget.  If you don’t, accessories make a dramatic statement, like a big fur hat or shrug from Pamella Roland.  Do certain fashion choices weight on your conscience?  It doesn’t have to be real fur to rock this trend.  Designers Betsey Johnson and BCBG Max Azria strike a dramatic look without harming animals.  The quality and colors of faux fur are fantastic these days when accenting a fabulous coat.  Of course, a great furry texture works too.  Creating volume with loops, fringe or even feathers can pimp out the most basic silhouette.  Anna Sui’s great fall coats and sweaters make the artsy crafty technique work very well.

Photos by Mariana Leung and David TW Leung

So has fall 2012 fashion got your mercury rising? The only chills here are the ones of stylish excitement when I flip through the runway collections.  When the temperature drops, I am so ready to shop!

Yoplait® Original is proof that classic is always a good choice. We have more than 20 flavors that burst with the delicious, flavorful creaminess that isn't just good, it is SO good, especially now that it's made with natural colors, flavors and sweeteners. What can be more than SO good? The fact that Yoplait® Light is made in more than 20 flavors that contain 90 calories and 2 Weight Watchers® PointsPlus® value each.  But the best part is the inspiration these fun flavors can be when it comes to fashion – how about a Key Lime Pie clutch or a little black forest cake dress. We believe the best fashion statements come from flavor inspiration.  What flavor inspires you? Try a new one today
and use it to plan your outfit


Disclosure: Compensation was provided by General Mills via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of General Mills”

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Embellished Emmy 2012 Fashion

Television's finest came out to be awarded for their work at the Emmy Awards last night.  Winning accolades for Emmy fashion is as important (if not more) for many of the stars walking the red carpet.

As always, as an embroidery designer, I am choosing my favorites for their use of embellishment...

Ginnifer Goodwin was a stunner in a dimensional tangerine embellished gown from Monique Lhuillier (who I love for her embroideries, including the ones she used of mine of course).  Shannon Marie Woodward, of Raising Hope looked elegant in a gold beaded bodice gown from Gabriela Candela.  

Blue was clearly a favorite last night.  Sofia Vergara was sexy as hell in Zuhair Murad, who knows how to bead in patterns that really bring out the assets of the va-va-voom ladies.  Sarah Paulson wore a beautifully embroidered gown by Reem Acra.  Nicole Kidman surprised some fashion police wearing a fashion forward angel wing embroidered column by Antonio Berardi.

Hayden Panettiere was every bit the diva in an embroidered Marchesa gown overlaid with transparent. Lucy Liu was a sexy gladiator in a heavy mirrored Versace gown and Veep's Anna Chlumsky was gorgeous in a beaded lace dress by Christian Siriano.

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images,Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

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Fashion Designed Football Helmets

How many of you fashionistas are Superbowl fans? Bloomingdale's is unveiling a special collection of 48 helmets designed by the CFDA's top fashion designers.  The "Couture" helmets by designers Betsey Johnson, Alice + Olivia, Marchesa, Diane Von Furstenburg and others will be auctioned off to benefit the NFL Foundation.

The helmets will be unveiled in Bloomingdale's 59th street NYC windows today, the launch of the auction.  The NFL Foundation's mission is to improve the lives of their fans through health initiatives and grants to youth and school programs.  

You can place your bid at the CFDA Bloomingdale's Superbowl auction before February 4, 2014.

Other participating designers include Alejandro Ingelmo, Alexis Bittar, Ovadia & Sons,Billy Reid, Blake Mykoskie for Toms, Bloomingdale’s, Catherine Malandrino, Cynthia Rowley, Cynthia Vincent for Twelfth Street, Dana Lorenz for Fenton/Fallon, Danielle Snyder and Jodie Snyder for Dannijo,  Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne for Public School, David Neville and Marcus Wainwright for Rag & Bone, Dennis Basso, Diane von Furstenberg, Donna Karan ,Eugenia Kim, George Esquivel, John Varvatos, Junkfood,  Kenneth Cole, Lela Rose, Badgley Mischka,  Mark McNairy, Michael Bastian, Monique Lhuillier,  Narciso Rodriguez for Narciso Rodriguez Studio, Nicole and Michael Colovos for Helmut Lang, Nicole Miller, Olivier Theyskens for Theyskens Theory, Gela Nash & Pamela Skaist-Levy for Pam & Gela, Pamela Love, Rachel Zoe, Rebecca Taylor, Richard Chai, Rogan Gregory and Scott Mackinlay Hahn for Loomstate, Rogan Gregory for Rogan, Rozae Nichols for Clover Canyon,  Sam Shipley and Jeff Halmos for Shipley & Halmos,  Stephen Dweck, Steven Alan, Tadashi Shoji, Todd Snyder, Vince Camuto, and Yigal Azrouel. 

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NY Fashion Week: Barbie's 50th Anniversary Fashion Show

Pop culture and fashion icon Barbie celebrated her 50th anniversary on Valentine’s Day at Bryant Park. It was a glorious fashion show featuring the works of 52 designers who were inspired by Barbie.

The show’s audience contained the usual fashion editors, industry vets. It was also attended by celebrities like Heidi Klum and Kellie Pickler as well as many young Barbie fans who were incredibly excited to see their heroine. While waiting to enter the tent, I waited next to famed photographer Annie Leibowitz. Only in hindsight, did I think of playing naïve and asking her to take a quickie photo of me with my digital camera, (talk about a Facebook pic with serious bragging rights!)

This was probably the most fun and flamboyant show I have seen in ages, (as most apparel companies are no longer spending money on this kind of stuff… sigh). Jaded industry vets were no match for the infectious music, cute factor and drama of the outfits on the runway.

The presentation was divided into three acts, the first showcased retro-inspired outfits from designers like Monique Lhuillier, Michael Kors, and Carmen Marc Valvo. They represented Barbie through the decades with glamorous evening gowns and jeweled accessories. The next act, the “Faux Reality” act represented modern and contemporary Barbie with hipster contributions from the likes of Diane von Furstenburg (above) and Baby Phat (above). The last act was inspired by Barbie of the future, with a lot of metallics and funky clear vinyl from designers like Calvin Klein, Betsey Johnson and getting the biggest applause of the day, Bob Mackie (above).

Guests were treated to a great soundtrack of strong women, and tongue-in-cheek selections (”Doll Parts” by Hole opened the show – so wrong and so right). The most entertaining moments was undoubtedly the excitement on little girl’s faces when they saw the pink-ribboned box on their chair. Each seated attendee was gifted with Barbie chocolates by Dylan’s Candy Bar and a limited edition Debut Barbie Fashion Model doll.

Two floor length video screens acted as curtains and projected a sparkling set, the history of Barbie, the multi-ethnic faces of the doll and split apart for the models to make their entrance on the runway.

I am personally ecstatic to finally own my first Barbie doll, (about 25 years after I first asked my parents for one). Why the delay? My parents refused to buy me a doll because they did not want me to grow up with “An unhealthy pre-occupation with frivolous things like fashion”.

Yep, that made me laugh too.
photos by Kris Krug

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FAB Sales Picks: Carlos Falchi

In NYC:
Carlo's Falchi's exotic and luxury handbags will be on major discount AND benefit the National Audubon Society...How do you like that? Guiltless shopping:
Where: 260 West 39th street, 7th floor
When: Tuesday, June 22nd, 10 am - 7 pm, Wednesday, June 23rd, 10 am - 5 pm.

Loomstate & Rogan's fabulous casuals are up to 75% off
Where: 91 Franklin Street
When: Wednesday, June 23, 8 am - 8 pm.

In LA:
Monique Lhuillier's red carpet-worthy bridal gowns are up to a whopping 90% off. Please try to control the bridezilla in you and keep civilized...
Where: 1201 South Grand Ave.
When: Sunday, June 27th, 10 am - 4 pm

Online:
Marc Jacobs Collection handbags are up to 60%
When: MONDAY at NOON EST

Daryl K's downtown chic still rules any cosmopolitan jungle...
When: Wednesday, June 23rd at Noon EST

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Golden Globes Red Carpet - Best Embroidery 2015

Ah, I love the Golden Globes fashion on the red carpet. Celebrities are a little more relaxed (or tipsy) and not as precisely styled as they are at the Academy Awards. As with all major awards shows, I am choosing my favorites of beautiful embroidery.

Lupita Nyong’o has been ruling the red carpet for well over a year now. She is a designer favorite and fan favorite because she can carry off the most daring colors and styles. I loved her purple Giambattista Valli Couture gown here for the fabric appliqued bodice. Using several shades of the violet hue, layers of organza were layered in a highly dimensional embroidery technique. 

Into the Woods’ Anna Kendrick wore a beautiful Monique Lhuillier gown from the upcoming pre-fall 2015 collection. The designer favors delicate embroidery (I have designed some for her myself) Varying the density of the sequins on her dress helps emphasize the handmade nature of the embellishment. It also helps to flatter the lines of the body.

Anna Faris was half of the most adorable couple at the Golden Globes (with hubby Chris Pratt). She looked lovely in a Reem Acra gown. The beading built up texture with irregular lines of sequins and beads then stacked into larger dimensional flowers. This looks great with sleek, body hugging silhouettes that you want to look rich without adding bulk. 

Emma Stone looked stunning in a jeweled bodice and pant combination from Lanvin. This had an old Hollywood glamour to it that few people can pull off. The embroidery looks opulent with mostly crystal Swarovski jewels with pops of ruby and jet colored jewels to add color. The oversized bow on the side lent a dramatic edge. 

Sienna Miller’s Miu Miu dress bore several different embroidery techniques. Her neckline had a beaded edge; the bodice had overlapping sequin blossoms. The skirt portion of the gown had flowers made more traditional thread embroidery.

The Golden Globes Awards celebrate the best in the art of entertainment. It only seems fitting that the red carpet fashion are works of art worn by the people who work hard at it.

Photos by Jason Merritt/Getty, Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

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