Dennis Basso Fall 2017

A touch of mink this season? How many of you were caught off-guard with March snowstorms? Designer Dennis Basso had everyone covered with a mix of breezy gowns in organza and georgette, but his signature fur coats were on hand at his NY Fashion Week Fall 2017 runway.

Dennis Basso is a heritage brand at this point. Ladies who lunch, New York's privileged class have been fawning over him for over three decades at this point. While he has his long term clients seduced, he is making a (sartorial) play for their daughters as well. Tiffany Trump was sitting front row of this runway. Long, relaxed dresses had a contemporary vibe with fully luxurious fabrications. My favorite was the compass, and map inspired gown with embroidered sheer land masses.

The color palette was minimal. Warm, neutral shades of brown, beige, cream as a tonal complement to the natural shades of luxurious fur on the catwalk. While the big fur coats may still be favored for Mom, there was a young gateway accessory of on-trend chokers made of fur on the models.

Politics and social commentary played a part in many of the Fall 2017 shows at NYFW this time around. Some were overt, some more subtle. Tiffany Trump was a new face on the scene at several shows I attended. She looked to be warmly welcomed by editors at Dennis Basso, but I was sad to hear she might have been rudely treated at another show.

Trust me, I am NOT a fan of Donald Trump or his administration so far. However, his daughter, often the rebellious one, is not her father. She is a young woman who is supporting fashion designers at a time when any support should be appreciated. While Dennis Basso is well established, she also attended the shows of designers who were up-and-coming and could use the promotional help. I also saw her at the Taoray Wang show, a Chinese designer, still new to the American scene. Trump wore Wang's work to the Presidential inauguration even though it was probably not politically correct with her father's cronies because she chose design over their BS.

 I can't stand Mean Girl BS in the fashion industry, it's tough enough out there. I am happy to hear that Whoopi Goldberg, also not a Donald fan, extended a friendly invitation when she saw Trump being shunned. The fashion industry is already depicted as shallow and snobbish. Editors, designers, all fashion professionals should be taking the high road and conduct themselves with class. You don't have to invite the offending person into your home, but at least treat others with the dignity and respect you would hope they would treat you with.

Dennis Basso may cater to the elite, but the beauty of his work can be appreciated by all. The runway looks of his Fall 2017 collection were not stuffy but sophisticated. The dresses were sleek and sexy, but you could cocoon yourself in a big warm coat when a snowstorm hits.

all photos by Mariana Leung

Read more >>

Dennis Basso Fall 2016

Do you think fur and beaded gowns are stuffy? Dennis Basso will prove you wrong. The classic fashion icon redesigned his luxurious coats and wraps for a sexier, street-wise sensibility. He took elements of the 1970s trends and created more relaxed silhouettes in his fur coats.

The outerwear looks great with evening wear or as a statement coat over jeans. Today's 'it' girls will no doubt be Instagramming it that way. 

Basso wanted fall 2016 to be romantic, brash. The long and mid-length gowns had beautiful beading. While they were sophisticated, they weren't pretentious. Models looked like they could move or slouch or dance. He wasn't afraid to show some skin. Think Jennifer Lawrence in American Hustle as opposed to the family matriarch.

The color palette had a lot of gold. Burnished gold, pale gold, copper, tawny and the various hues of the animal fur itself. You could totally drag out your hipster grandma and dance the night away in Dennis Basso's Fall 2016 collection. Boogie on!

Photos by Mariana Leung

Read more >>

Deniss Basso's Glam, Fur & Jewels Fall 2015

Have you been missing the runway reports? I was editing my closet this week and wishing I had a proper occasion (and weather) to wear my furs and jewels. Why? Dennis Basso displayed a gorgeous parade of 1970's inspired glam upgraded with luxurious furs, metallic fabrics and opulent jeweled embroideries.

A collection of big furs and glitzy gowns would normally feel stuffy or skew older. However, the swagger of the big collars and attitude of the models read more like luxe disco queen than dowager countess.

The jewel embroidery was a mix of smokey colors and pewter. It had a vintage look to it. the irregular shapes of the stones had an edgy look in contrast to the luxe furs. There were over-sized handbags of fur on fur as well.

Dennis Basso's last runway show is heavily featured in the upcoming film "Stealing Chanel". It serves as a backdrop in the high fashion education of a budding thief. If the movie doesn't school you on glamour, this show certainly did.

Read more >>

SAG Awards Red Carpet Winners

Another red carpet full of gorgeous beaded gowns for embroidery geeks like me to drool over. The Screen Actors Guild Awards had the most talented performers celebrating their own. Designers framed these actresses in their best work.

The platinum duo was Emmy Rossum in a stunning embroidered lace gown by Armani Prive. Gretchen Mol wore a vintage silhouette with rich crystal beading from Dennis Basso.

 Julianne Moore blew up Twitter in her dripping emerald beaded dress from Givenchy. Modern Family's Julie Bowen wore a sweet dress embroidered with delicate dimensional flowers by Georges Hobeika. Also from television's  Modern Family was Sarah Hyland wearing a beautiful custom gown by Vera Wang with a jeweled bodice.

The cast of Orange is the New Black were happy to get out of the prison jumpsuits as they all killed it on the SAG Awards red carpet. Natasha Lyonne wore an elegant Proenza Schouler with a sparkling embroidered top. Jackie Cruz wore a figure hugging gown from Christian Siriano embellished with an unusual mix of jewels and beads of different textures. Paula Patton wore a stunning white jeweled gown with rich dimensional beading by Ayesha that is sure to inspire many a bridal trend.

So there you have it, who were your personal favorite on the Screen Actors Guild Awards red carpet?
Photos: Ethan Miller/Getty ImagesKEVIN MAZUR/WIREIMAGESTEVE GRANITZ/WIREIMAGEDIMITRIOS KAMBOURIS/WIREIMAGEKevork Djansezian/Getty Images,Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

Read more >>

Dennis Basso Spring 2015 & A Farewell to Joan Rivers

Every season I am amazed at the sheer magnitude of the beautiful women in attendance for Dennis Basso's spring 2015 runway show. Famous celebrities, media sweethearts, and powerful NY socialites, flock to the tents to catch a glimpse of the designer’s latest creations for the coming season.

A moment for Joan...

In the moments before the house lights went up, and the first heel hit the catwalk, the designer requested a moment of silence in the theater, to honor the memory of his friend and Fashion Week staple, Joan Rivers recent passing. It was a lovely sentiment and one I will not forget.

Luxury resorts in the 1960's inspired the designer's Spring/Summer 2015 Collection. The women who traveled to these luxurious destinations needed to pack a variety of chic ensembles appropriate for daytime activities or evening events in the warmer temperatures.

In typical Basso fashion, the collection was chock full of embroidered cocktail dresses, exquisite ball gowns, and playful separates.  The colors of the collection ranged from bright white to soft muted shades in rose, mauve, grey, and taupe. Sheer floral prints looked modern with embellished details. The designer utilized a wide variety of fabrics from organza and linens along with leather and furs in the collection. Yup, that's right; Basso included his signature fur & leather pieces, even for spring.

The standout looks for me were the hand embroidered romper in silver with mink mosaic coat, the silver hand embroidered floral cloque ball gown and the floral mesh cocktail dress in tulle with beading

Whether you agree with Dennis Basso's fabric choices or not, there is no denying, that he stays true to his design aesthetic and vision. This collection is already making a cameo in the upcoming film, "Stealing Chanel" championed by supermodel Carol Alt. Something tells me these gowns may have a few additional Red Carpet moments during awards season.

xo,

Elaine Fioravanti of Best Dressed Ginger

Guest Blogging for MsFabulous.com

photos by Mariana Leung

Read more >>

Fashion as Art: Dennis Basso Fall 2014

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

Read more >>

NY FASHION WEEK: Top Designers Glam QVC

The West Side had a filled red carpet last night for the QVC fashion show. Designers like Isaac Mizrahi, Cynthia Vincent and Marc Bouwer sent contemporary chic collections down the runway that will make you forget the simulated gemstone bargains that the televised shopping channel was known for.

One group had bright, spring contemporary sportswear. With a scene change, another had a romantic Breakfast at Tiffany's look. The collection that blew me away though, was the final group of evening looks that I personally wanted for my closet. I never thought I would say that about QVC. I just hope no one finds me glued to the phone, talking to the tv with a credit card in my hand at 3 AM.

The event drew notables from all over NYC. From fashion, Fern Mallis and Geten Ford. Entertainers Maria Menounos and Kelly Rutherford looked glam in the red carpet. Socialite Olivia Palermo, Star Jones and a smattering 'Real Housewives' rounded out the set.

photos by Mariana Leung

Read more >>

Dennis Basso Fall 2011 collection

Dennis Basso is famous for his decadent use of fur and attracting ladies who lunch. Naturally, his Fall 2011 collection had plenty of both. The audience in attendance was different than the usual fashion week crowd of outlandish characters and expressionless editors in black. Instead, the ladies who lunched and socialite set of the Upper East Side came to support their favorite furrier designer.  

Read more >>