Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Fall 2012

Jean Paul-Gaultier’s couture show earlier this week was hotly anticipated, perhaps as much for the 90 minute delay as the show itself, (based on the Twitter complaints from FT’s Jeanne Beker to NY Times’ Cathy Horyn). 

Mr. Gaultier was the designer to rule the 1990’s.  Madonna’s image has been forever linked to the French couturier’s cone bras and revived again on her current tour. 

For Fall 2012, his Haute Couture collection continued on his gender-bending theme.  There were corseted looks mixed with menswear tailoring.  There were 19^th century references to provocative, cross dressing female author George Sand.  Some Paul Poiret inspired Orientalism touches and fanciful circus themes that reminded me of the romantic novel The Night Circus that I just read.

The overall look was rebellious, sexy, elegant and exquisite in its craftsmanship.  The badboy has long proven he can make good.  I hope he continues to inspire.

 Photos from Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com

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Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute Gala 2011

The stars poured out from Maybachs, black Cadillacs, and even a Prius in what seemed like the biggest celebrity event in recent memory to honor the late Alexander McQueen.

It was Alexander McQueen’s legacy that triumphed this weekend. First was the house’s dress via Sarah Burton for the future queen, Kate Middleton, for the wedding of the century. Then it was staging of the extravagant and one of the most extensive costume exhibits we have ever seen at his soon to be open exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum’s Savage Beauty exhibit starting on May 4.  The Fab Team was privy to an early press preview and have already vowed to return again now that it is open to the public.

And to top of the McQueen legacy, the Met’s annual fete, the Costume Institute Gala was in honor of the Savage Love exhibit and a celebration of a brilliant life.

The entry stairs of the Met museum were covered with red carpet when we arrived and young, handsome men dressed in traditional Scottish kilts stood at the entrance to greet the celebrity guests.

Ladies who truly defined ‘supermodel’ like Naomi Campbell, Giselle and Iman looked stunning in dresses (Iman wore a gold pants/top) that were couture worthy which was in keeping with the spirit of Alexander McQueen.  Models of the moment, Doutzen Kroes, dwarfed the red carpet with her massive flowing red dress with endless train.

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Behind the Scenes: Celebrity Photographer Dimitrios Kambouris

New York City native Dimitrios Kambouris is the go-to photographer hired by top PR agencies and publications to cover premieres and fashion events. One of his career highlights include having his photo of Madonna gracing New York Magazine’s most notable covers of the 2009.

After a hectic stint at Mercedes-Benz Fashion week, Ms. Fabulous, Mariana Leung asked the photographer about his craft:

MsFABulous: What did your photography training consist of?
DIMITRIOS KAMBOURIS: Worked in a camera store/one-hour photo lab while a student at Bryant High School in Astoria, Queens.

MsFAB: What led you into fashion and celebrity photography?
DK: Got hands advice from professional photographers, such as Dan Lecca, when they dropped off film.

MsFAB: What photo of yours are you most proud of?
DK: Lady Gaga and Madonna backstage after the Marc Jacobs 2010 Spring fashion show. It was the first time they were ever photographed together.

MsFAB: Who is your favorite photography subject?
DK: Celebrity, Fashion, Music/Concert

MsFAB: What is the one piece of advice you would give to someone who aspires to be a fashion/celebrity photographer? -
DK: Be hands on. Take the photos yourself. You can’t read a book or have someone tell you what to do. Digital is so easy, like a Polaroid, so you can make corrections. Play with shutter speeds and apertures. Learn from your mistakes. Actually, there are no mistakes… everything just looks different.

MsFAB: Thanks Dimitrios!
Celebrity photo by Dimitrious Kambouris from WireImage, Bio photo courtesy of Lippin Group

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Louis Vuitton Cocktail Party to Preview Fall 2009

Yes, the weather is just warming up. However, I know that you like to be ahead of the game when it comes to luxury design. I had the privilege of previewing the Louis Vuitton collection for Fall 2009 for Purse Page Monday evening at an intimate cocktail party for invited bloggers.

What is in store for you this September? The luxe went to glam for handbags. Jewel-toned metallic leathers, shimmery monogram brocade, prominent shiny hardware and glittery textured fabrics were all stars in the collection. The signature monogram pattern was re-embroidered in petite sequins for added elegance on one bag. On another the legendary design was imprinted onto fur for a demure clutch, (PETA be damned).

The clothing collection showed a rich palette of violet, saffron, burnt orange, browns and jewel tones. Highly elaborate seaming and complex embroidery embellished sculpted silhouette garments. On a tiny pair of shorts, I think I counted multiple shaped and pieced seams, pick-stitching, contrast thread pin tucks, beaded fagoting, all in addition to the chunky jeweled details on the front. I don’t think you can get more designer details per square inch than that.

There was the infamous "rabbit" ears headband that Madonna wore to the recent Met gala on display as well. The LV reps humbly admitted they were completely trampled in the press for it. Another snarky blogger had compared Madonna's outfit to the creepy rabbit in "Donnie Darko".

I sipped my champagne, nibbled steak tartare and chatted with fellow fashion bloggers. I also took the opportunity to make Daniel Saynt of fashionindie.com squirm a bit when I pretended to confront him about a catty review of my studio several months ago. He was a cutie and quite apologetic. I love the stuff that his crew and he are doing with their site.

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