MOMMA REVIEWS… 2015 Oscar fashion

2015 Oscar fashion

2015 Oscar fashion = Fifty Shades of Beige

The time has finally arrived, it’s time to talk about the 2015 Oscar fashion from the biggest night in Hollywood and (usually) fashion.  Confession, I was underwhelmed.  I’m actually calling it hashtag 50 shades of beige due to the enormous amount of light colors and the fact that the red carpet confections were just sorts of… eh. Look, I’m not taking it away from any of these enormously talented actresses – they all looked very pretty, pulled together and, well, safe.  The truth is, 2015 Oscar fashion was sort of a snooze fest and it left me and my friends watching at home asking, do you think the real dresses got caught up in customs?  Did they change their minds last minute because of the weather?  Did dresses get held up in New York and Europe because of the weather?  Did all the beautiful dresses already get worn and this is what was left?  I don’t know, but, I do know that there were no real wow moments.

Don’t get me wrong, I thought Naomi Watts looked incredible in Armani Prive and I loved that Dakota Johnson looked like a proper young and beautiful ingenue in Saint Laurent, but other than that…  Jennifer Lopez, sparkled (as always) and Lupita Nyong’o, Marion Cotillard and Julianne Moore did light right… But, it was clear the 2015 Oscar fashion was less about the dresses and more about the women in them, which would be the crowning glory of this less than stellar fashion moment – perhaps the paired back looks left room to focus more on the incredible performances of these women rather than what they were wearing.  These weren’t worst dressed moments, the dresses were pretty, they just weren’t show stoppers… And for me, the Oscars are about fashion WOWS (even if there slightly left of right) and these gowns just seemed better suited for a less important night…

Perhaps Patricia Arquette’s call for equal pay for women explains all of this.  Women in Hollywood not only deliver equally riveting performances to men, but have the secondary role of being fashion icons – a pressure that the men don’t have to fret, and yet they are still not compensated on par with their male counterparts and they’ve finally had enough…  I’m really not sure, but I’ll stand behind that theory because it’s pretty awesome.  Anyway, enough of that, lets talk about the 2015 Oscar fashion that did happen last night.

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(l-r) Jessica Chastain in Givenchy Couture, Cate Blanchett in Maison Margiela, Margot Robbie in Saint Laurent and Sienna Miller in Oscar de la Renta.

First off, the dark horses – the ladies in black/navy all looked stunning – I really do love Jessica Chastain in this gorgeous Givenchy, and Margot Robbie looked so sexy and yet simple in Saint Laurent and I loved Sienna Miller in Oscar de la Renta because it felt different for her – less bohemian and more polished, it was one of the more refreshing 2015 Oscar fashion moments.  Again, all these ladies looked beautiful (love Cate Blanchett bring some much needed color to the carpet with that gorgeous Tiffany turquoise statement necklace).  Black is safe, black is usually in abundance, it actually wasn’t this year, making these gowns some of the bolder statements…

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(l-r) Felicity Jones in Alexander McQueen, Jennifer Lopez in Elie Saab Couture and Anna Faris in Zuhair Murad Couture.

Who doesn’t love a bit of princess power and these ladies brought the glamour.  In to the Woods had nominations and Cinderella is coming out soon enough and these women brought some fairy tail action to a drenched red carpet.  Leave it Jennifer Lopez (in Elie Saab Couture) to shut down the red carpet and make a statement – and thank god she did – we needed it.  There was plenty of beading and adornment last night, but these voluminous bottoms were a nice pop of something different.

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(l-r) Naomi Watts in Armani Prive, Lupita Nyong’o in Calvin Klein, Emma Stone in Elie Saab Couture and Julianne Moore in Chanel Couture.

The adorned ladies putting on the glitz.  I was happy to get some of the opulence I was craving with  Naomi Watts in her glittering Armani Prive was one of my favorites, and of course Lupita Nyong’o in a Calvin Klein gown with something like 6000 pearls proving that sometimes more is more and that her fashion icon status isn’t going anywhere.  These gowns, again, were very pretty, the craftsmanship on these gowns in incredible and, of course, all of these ladies are so incredibly gorgeous.

2015 Oscar fashion

(l-r) Dakota Johnson in Saint Laurent and Rosamund Pike in Givenchy Couture and Behati Prinsloo in Armani Prive

Ahhhh, the ladies in red…  Thank god.  I was hoping for a lot more color on the carpet, so I was very grateful for Dakota Johnson showing up like the budding star she is in this gorgeous Saint Laurent gown.  It took me back to Jennifer Lawrence’s first nomination in that beautiful (yet simple) crimson Calvin Klein number a few years back.  This is a big moment for her so I was really happy to put her on my best dressed list.  Rosamund Pike also looked gorgeous in her red Givenchy Couture – hard to believe she just had a baby a few months ago – she has truly never looked better!

MOMMA WANTS… jewel tone dresses (from the red carpet to my closet)

Sag awards - jewel tone dresses

SAG awards red carpet jewel tones beauties (clockwise from top left) Julianne Moore in Givenchy Haute Couture, Sophia Vergara in Donna Karen Atelier, Julianna Margulies in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture, Claire Danes in Marc Jacobs and Keira Knightley in Erdem

There was one overwhelmingly evident red carpet trend that emerged at the SAG awards – jewel tone dresses are THE must have!  Forget red, blue, green and purple – I’m talking about ruby, sapphire, emerald and amethyst – these colors are rich and expensive and transform a red carpet (and your closet) in the most beautiful way.  My favorite jewel tone dresses from the SAG red carpet included Sophia Vergara va va vooming it in ruby red, Julianna Margulies sparkling in sapphire Giambattista Valli, pregnant Keira Knightly glowing in Erdem amethyst, Claire Danes in Marc Jacobs and Julianne Moore in Givenchy shutting it down in emerald.  Or course, it took me less than 5 seconds to realize I needed these jewelry box colors in my life, no I won’t be walking the red carpet any time soon – but as much as momma loves a little black dress, I think it’s time to expand the color palette.  Little jewel tone dresses for the office, running around town or date night are exactly what my closet is craving.  So, thank you red carpet season for reminding me that colors always make a gorgeous statement and that jewel tone dresses are now officially at the top of my wishlist!

Rosetta Getty gown

Rosetta Getty gown $2500

M Missoni dress

M Missoni dress $795

T by Alexander Wang dress

T by Alexander Wang dress $425

Eliza J dress

Eliza J dress $118

Asos dress

Asos dress $113.70

 

Roland Mouret dress

Roland Mouret dress $2215

Badgley Mischka gown

Badgley Mischka gown $935

Issa dress

Issa dress $725

Diane von Furstenberg dress

Diane von Furstenberg dress $348

Asos dress

Asos dress $72.01

Matthew Williamson gown

Matthew Williamson gown $2495

La Petite Robe di Chiari Boni

La Petite Robe di Chiari Boni $695

Amanda Uprichard dress

Amanda Uprichard dress $238

Tahari dress

Tahari dress $128

BB Dakota dress

BB Dakota dress $90

Victoria Beckham dress

Victoria Beckham dress $2495

Haute Hippie dress

Haute Hippie dress $595

Jill Stuart dress

Jill Stuart dress $398

Asos dress

Asks dress $94.75

Forever 21 dress

Forever 21 dress $22.90

 

 

MOMMA KNOWS… 2015 Golden Globes fashion review

Golden Globes fashion2015

My top picks of the night (clockwise from the top left) Naomi Watts in Gucci, Kate Hudson in Atelier Versace, Julianne Moore in Givenchy, Emma Stone in Lanvin and Amal Clooney in Dior.

It’s that time of year again – time for my 2015 Golden Globes fashion review.  I watch award shows like men watch the Super Bowl, there is chips, alcohol and a healthy dose of screaming, throwing things are the screen and heart dropping moments of fabulous.  Yes, I can’t get enough of Amy Poehler and Tina Fey, but 2015 Golden Globes fashion is what gets me heart racing… It may not have been the most dynamic night of style but there were certainly a few drop the mike Versace moments.  I’m talking about two of my favorites – Kate Hudson absolutely shredding the carpet in her white hot cut down to there Atelier Versace and, of course, Jane Fonda showing reinventing what 77 looks like and putting us all to shame in her insanely sexy red Versace.  While this year had nobody sporting anything too crazy (no swan or ballerina get ups) it was certainly a hopeful return to glamour with healthy does of sparkles, color, white and bling!  So, my top take away 2015 Golden Globes fashion trends are as follows:

Heavy metal!  Just like Julianne Moore’s stunning Givenchy Haute Couture number – everything from pretty silver to darker gun metal (and every shade of metallic) reigned supreme on last night’s red carpet.  The stars did what they do best – they sparkled and I absolutely LOVED it.  Glamour was back and in full force on everyone from Jennifer Lopez to new comer Dakota Johnson and I’m pretty sure all the glitter could be seen from outer space there was so much of it!!  Jewels weren’t the only thing blinging at the 2015 Golden Globes and I look forward to seeing more of this metallic trend take over.

Golden Globes fashion 2015

(l-r) Julianne Moore in Givenchy Haute Couture, Kate Beckinsale inElie Saab, Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad and Dakota Johnson in Chanel Haute Couture.

White haute!  Following from the glitz and glamour comes the beacon of light from the ladies in white.  Ethereal and stunning – forget orange, because white is the new black.  With red carpet super stars from Reese Witherspoon to Emily Blunt rocked this white hot look.  The silhouettes may have varied but there is no question that bright white dominated the Golden Globes.

Golden Globes fashion 2015

(l-r) Emily Blunt in custom Michael Kors, Julia Louis-Dreyfus in Narciso Rodriguez, Selma Hayek in Alexander McQueen and my favorite Kate Hudson in Atelier Versace

Pop of Color.  I mean, who doesn’t love some color?  It’s the hottest way to stand out in a crowd, that’s for sure!  Naomi Watts and Jenna Dewan stunned in gorgeous yellow while host Amy Poehler and award winner, Amy Adams experimented with shades of blue.  These bold hues are always welcome to the red carpet, and while color is often considered a bit risky, the pay off is huge!

Golden Globes fashion 2015

(l-r) Naomi Watts in Gucci, Amy Poehler in Stella McCartney, Jenna Dewan in Carolina Herrera and Amy Adams in Atelier Versace.

Scarlett fever.  Of course, the red carpet always has it’s fair share of ladies in red and this year was no exception.  Far too many to fit in this trend report rocked the crimson shade. Allison Williams and Taylor Schilling went all out with their voluminous gowns, Julianne Margulies showed some ankle action with her tea length version and Jane Fonda…  Well, there’s only one word for her, wow.

Golden Globes fashion 2015

(l-r) Allison Williams in Armani Prive, Julianna Margulies in Ulyana Sergeenko, Taylor Schilling in Ralph Lauren and Jane Fonda in Versace.

Tuxedo dressing.  This years black was evolved and far cooler than usual.  I call it tuxedo dressing because it was all about the details and a few masculine structures with incredibly feminine tailoring.  I LOVED the younger girls, Lorde and Emma Stone, rocking the pant looks – a brave move for the Golden Globes red carpet but a total reminder that young hollywood rocks.  Jennifer Anniston’s cummerbund and Amal Clooney’s white gloves (which I confess were not my favorite) added a touch of tux to their glamorous gowns.  All in all, I think the best tux looks of the night may have belonged to the ladies…

Golden Globes fashion 2015

(l-r) Lorde in Narciso Rodriguez, Emma Stone in Lanvin, Jennifer Aniston in Saint Laurent and Amal Clooney in Dior.

Boho ladies.  Ordinarily we might see one or two print looks but last night we got a healthy helping of boho – prints from floral to butterflies adorned some of Hollywoods top leading ladies.  The bohemian vibe injected color, ruffles and the unexpected onto the red carpet.  A pregnant Keira Knightly embraced her bump with an empire silhouette Chanel number complete with butterflies and ruffles while red carpet golden girl Lupita Wyong’o took a bold step into the boho arena in her Giambattista Valli.  Always a bit risky on the red carpet, the boho ladies were loud and proud last night!

Golden Globes fashion 2015

Sienna Millier in Miu Miu, Keira Knightly in Chanel, Claire Danes in Valentino and Lupita Nyong’o in Giambattista Valli.

MOMMA KNOWS… spring 2015 fashion trends (europe has spoken)

http://www.style.com

Europe has spoken the sprint 2015 fashion trends are here – everything from sheer, cropped, cutout, menswear, embellishment and gladiator have emerged – and it’s all spectacular! All pics courtesy of style.com (l-r L Balenciaga, Givenchy, Celine & Balmain –  photos by: Monica Feudi)

London, Milan and Paris runway has shown and the spring 2015 fashion trends have emerged and it looks like everything is going to be sexy, fun, futuristic and fabulous.  As we saw in during the New York collections black and white dominated the runway but the european shows gave us a more glamorous edgier side to look forward to.  Spring 2015 fashion trends seem to be a very slow shift from fall/winter as we still see plenty of traditionally cold weather fabrics and hues but with a bit more skin…  The european collections have always been more directional, experimental and edgier – we don’t just see where fashion will be in the next 6 months but where it’s going well beyond that…  Some things that come down the runway (which you can see more of on style.com may never see the light of Bergdorf Goodman’s racks but may just make it on to the red carpet and the pages of vogue.  The Spring 2015 fashion trends we see on the runway today will certainly be moderated for public consumption, but it’s a beautiful thing to see where it starts…  Fashion, after all, is an art and far more than the sum of the clothes on our back.  Enjoy my preview of the spring 2015 fashion trends – it’ll give you some inspiration for what you can buy this fall that you will be able to keep wearing come spring!

Mad men – 60′s & 70′s eat your heart out!  That’s right, everything from a bit of floral print hippie boho chic 60′s at Gucci, Chloe, Valentino and even Prada to a touch of 60′s mod at Versace and Balmain progressed into super hot 70′s studio 54 glamrock chick (or chic as the case may be) courtesy of Tom Ford and Saint Laurent.  The 60′s and 70′s have long been 2 of my favorite fashion decades and now the merging of these retro stylings means we have a LOT to look forward to come spring. Kate Moss, eat your heart out – swinging london meets boho traveller has exploded on the runway (think Edie Sedwick and Bianca Jagger had a baby) aka fashion heaven.  Micro mini shift dresses, grommets, caged silhouettes with peekaboo plastic,  clashing floral prints under suede trench coats and those 3 70′s s’s (sequins, sheer and shine) are major and certain to set your fashion heartbeats racing!

Black, white and black & white…  As I mentioned after New York collections – one of the big spring 2015 fashion trends is the colors black (on black), white (on white) and, of course, black on white.  While you will find New Yorkers in black all year round it’s rare for it to be so dominant on the runway for Spring but here is it – black is the new black, white is the new white and it’s all about looking clean and crisp.  I would talk about who featured this trend but it was so dominant there was hardly anyone who didn’t!  So hold onto your black and your winter whites because they’ll take you through the next 12 months!

Pretty pastels – while black and white reigned supreme we did see a nice bit of pastel injections throughout the european collections.  Pretty powdery hues of pinks, lavenders, blues and so forth peppered the runway bringing color to spring.  Powerhouse designers such as Fendi, Balenciaga and Christian Dior made sure to include some sprinkles of these pastels to take us back to our warm happy place.

Leather and Suede – that’s right, another one of the unexpected spring 2015 fashion trends was the presence of leather and suede, a traditionally cold weather fabric made it’s way on multiple runways.  For spring the leather seemed lighter in weight and was often laser cut to create a more interesting warm weather dimension.  With design houses such as Versace, Fendi, Chloe, Chanel, Givenchy, Mcqueen, Chanel, Gucci & Prada it is impossible to ignore the fact that we will all be wearing leather still come Spring!

Coats (for spring?)  Once again, it appears that designers aren’t quite ready to let go of Fall just yet because there were plenty of coats in the Spring/summer collections.  Everything from trench coats to duster were heavily (pun intended) featured.  Perhaps we’re looking forward to another very long winter and designers want to make sure they have plenty of layering options… Also, lets not forget that we tend to start to see the spring collections hit stores when snow is often still on the ground – so smart move! Versace, Gucci, Christian Dior, Chanel, Prada, Balenciaga, Celine and so many others made sure to include a spring coat for your layering “warm” weather pleasure.

Gladiator – that’s right, New York we saw utilitarian, military influences and while we still see a hint of that in the Mialn and Paris collections the gladiator clearly dominated.  Givenchy, Valentino, Chloe and Alexander Mcqueen included a truly desirable gladiator influence from the amazing footwear (get me those shoes!!) to the more editorial headpieces at McQueen.  From toga inspired (with a beautifully feminine 60′s touch) at Valentino and Chloe to proper foot soldiers ready to do some battle at Givenchy and McQueen I think the gladiator trend is going to have many layers of fabulous come spring!

Cropped and cutouts aren’t going anywhere!  As we saw during New York collections (and for this Fall and last Spring) cropped tops and cutouts are here to stay (well, at least until fall 2015 then who knows).  The midriff continues to reign supreme among the fashion elite so keep doing those crunches and put down the oreos (she says while tucking into her 3 package of pumpkin oreos).  All you have to do is check out Versace, Fendi, Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabbana, Balenciaga, Tom Ford, Celine and Balmain (to name a few) to know the cutout and cropped trend is alive and even dominant.  Of course there is a new modern, even futuristic (whilst still referencing 60′s mod) take on cutouts which is interesting – everything from caged to laser cut to slashed – designers are certainly not resting on their laurels by coming up with new innovative takes on last season’s trend.

Sheer and Mesh – again, not a new trend but the take on is fresh and modern while still referencing that 60′s mod.  Now you see it now you don’t is the name of the gam – it’s illusion its layered – the sheer and mesh spring 2015 fashion trends has more texture than ever before.  Micro mesh to wide netting was layered over over and under garments giving new dimension to spring looks giving a sexy yet coy appeal.  We saw mesh and sheer everywhere including at Versace, Balenciaga, Dolce & Gabbana, Chanel, Givenchy and Tom Ford to name a few – it was one part rock chick and one part modern muse but 100% fabulous.

Future perfect/Architectural – designers have been playing with structure, silhouette and the idea of what will the future hold since the days of Cristobel Balenciaga and Christian Dior – and here we are decades later  still playing with these notions.  Of course, textiles have come such a long way that it’s completely awe inspiring to see how this futuristic, architectural trend continues to emerge.  Structure is supreme and silhouettes exaggerated  to create surprisingly desirable garments that will make phenomenal editorial images but can still be wearable (once the volume has been condensed) for the marketplace.  This futuristic /architectural trend wowed fashionistas at Balenciaga, Dior, Givenchy, Alexander McQueen and Balmain’s runway shows just to name a few.

Embellished – while there were a lot of austere minimal moments for spring there were also a lot of over the top details.  Embellishment may not have dominated but it was certainly widely featured and put some flash into fashion.  Everything from feathers and appliqué to sequins and beading made pieces that much richer.  Exquisite details at Fendi, Saint Laurent, Chanel, Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabbana, Celine, Chloe, Givenchy, Balenciaga and Tom Ford gave an extra luxe touch to the collections.

Menswear vs Ladylike – everything from pretty polished to slouchy cigarette pants and blazers or vest came together on the runway.  The play on masculine and feminine  reigned supreme and it was all about tailoring.  The ladylike pieces were all about fit, flare and femininity while the menswear inspired pieces were all about exquisite tailoring and a long and lean silhouette.  Every designer was loving on this masculine/feminine play – but some of my favorites were: Tom Ford, Chanel, Celine, Balmain, Fendi and Dior.

Sporty spice – another trend that’s not going anywhere is the play on sportswear.  Techno fabrics and sporty styling giveaway to an athletic aesthetic which plenty of designers are still including in their collections. Balenciaga, Fendi and Versace all included nods to the sporty trend.  Perhaps it’s the masculine/feminine, sheer/mesh and cropped/cutout trends that naturally lend themselves to a more sporty look but whatever it is – it’s working out (ha ha pun intended).  Whether you prefer a more feminine tennis inspired little dress or a more literal cropped top and shorts look these style will certainly inspire you to get to the gym (while looking fabulous en route).

And of course we still saw quite a bit of red, mixed media, florals and clashing prints – so hold on to your fall wardrobe because spring 2015 fashion trends aren’t such a huge deviation – it’s all about mixing, matching and celebrating the trends that resonate with you and your personal style!  Street fashion is so huge and such an inspiration for today’s designers because the modern approach to style is all about what real people are really wearing – how we’re putting our looks together.  We are the modern muse – so when these trends hit the store always make sure to shop for your own aesthetic – what you are most connected with – this is what modern style is all about.

spring 2015 fashion trends

Versace spring 2015 – click for more from the collection! (photo’s by Yannis Vlamos for style.com)

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Fendi spring 2015 – click for more from the collection! (photo’s by Yannis Vlamos for style.com)

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Gucci spring 2015 – click for more from the collection! (photo’s by Marcus Tondo for style.com)

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Dolce & Gabbana spring 2015 – click for more from the collection! (photo’s by Yannis Vlamos for style.com)

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Balenciaga spring 2015 – click for more from the collection! (photo’s by Monica Feudi for style.com)

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Tom Ford spring 2015 – click for more from the collection! (photo’s by Gianni Pucci for style.com)

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Prada spring 2015 – click for more from the collection! (photo’s by Monica Feudi for style.com)

Spring 2015 fashion trends

Balmain spring 2015 – click for more from the collection! (photo’s by Monica Feudi for style.com)

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Christian Dior spring 2015 – click for more from the collection! (photo’s by Yannis Vlamos for style.com)

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Celine spring 2015 – click for more from the collection! (photo’s by Monica Feudi for style.com)

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Chloe spring 2015 – click for more from the collection! (photo’s by Marcus Tondo for style.com)

Spring 2015 fashion trends

Givenchy spring 2015 – click for more from the collection! (photo’s by Monica Feudi for style.com)

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Chanel spring 2015 – click for more from the collection! (photo’s by Marcus Tondo for style.com)

Spring 2015 fashion trends

Valentino spring 2015 – click for more from the collection! (photo’s by Marcus Tondo for style.com)

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Alexander McQueen spring 2015 – click for more from the collection! (photo’s by Marcus Tondo for style.com)

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Saint Laurent spring 2015 – click for more from the collection! (photo’s by Gianni Pucci for style.com)

 

MOMMA KNOWS… 2015 spring fashion trends are coming

That’s right, NY shows were last week and London shows are happening right now so 2015 spring fashion trends are beginning to emerge and I’m going to share my favorites!  Remember that runway shows aren’t always literal – you may never see these items in stores but you can see some of these looks on the red carpet, in magazines and they are directional in terms of what will be hitting stores in the next 6 months!  You can check out my favorite go-to fashion resource: style.com for all the latest shows, reviews and street fashion that will certainly inspire you and tickle your fashion fancy!

Some of the major 2015 spring fashion trends I’ve seen thus far (and remember, until we’ve seen Milan and Paris there are still many more to come) are truly transitional from fall.  There is lots of black on the runway and even some leather and tartan – which for spring is significant and for us it means getting more wear from our fall wardrobe.  Everyone from Vera Wang to Proenza, Narciso, Versus, Michael Kors and  the list goes on featured black, white and the pair of them, meaning black is back (if it ever left).  While there is lots of black, red and white (white is generally pretty huge for spring) there is a new color in town and that is yellow!  Lots of designers from Carolina Herrera to Michael Kors featured pops of it in their collections!

More 2015 spring fashion trends include a techy feel – mixed media clothing and futuristic fabrications from patent to metal and mesh.   Mixed media is nothing new but it s louder, prouder and more apparent than ever for Spring/Summer.  Tech is reaching new fashionable heights with unique, interesting and embellished interpretations – even the most simple designs are fare more complex than meets the eye.  These unique textiles and combinations could be seen everywhere from the ultra adorned Prabal Gurung collection to the red carpet ready J Mendel dresses and even to the minimalist stylings of Calvin Klein.

Floral as a spring/summer trend doesn’t seem particularly new, but the interpretation is.  Michael Kors showed floral appliqué voluminous skirts while Carolina Herrera used unique prints that seemed almost digital and in several pieces like shattered porcelain.  These new ways ways of translating floral was fresh, unique and incredible special and desirable!

Another 2015 spring fashion trend was menswear.  Menswear could be seen in the super sexy (these ain’t your boyfriend’s shirts) Versus collection and then oversized yet achingly chic (perhaps these are your boyfriend’s shirts) for Michael Kors and Ralph Lauren.  With the menswear trend it truly is all about how it’s tailored and styled – the perfect amounts of undone buttons, is the sleeve super long or is perfectly rolled.  Are trousers long and lean or cropped and wide?  These are the styling decisions you’ll have to make – there is plenty of ways to interpret the trend but balancing it with femininity (whether super sexy or fit and flared with a voluminous skirt) seems to be what’s particularly new with this trend.

Finally, one of the biggest new 2015 spring fashion trends was a utilitarian edge.  Whether you call it military, safari or glamping – shades of khaki and cargo pockets were dominating the runway for both Marc Jacobs and Ralph Lauren.  Make no mistake, while these designs were clearly referencing utilitarian/uniform fashion they were anything but basic – from rich fabrications to the most intricate luxe details – these looks were haute haute haute.

Oh, and for those wondering – trends that aren’t going anywhere include: cut outs, cropped tops, fringe, sportswear and sheer.  Spring/summer fashion for 2015 looks like it’s going to be a glamorous, super sexy (with a twist) kind of season.

Michael Kors s/s 2015

Michael Kors s/s 2015 – click for more from the collection! (photo’s by Yannis Vlamos for style.com)

Calivin Klein s/s 2015

Calivin Klein s/s 2015 – click for more from the collection! (photo’s by Kim Weston Arnold for style.com)

Vera Wang s/s 2015

Vera Wang s/s 2015 – click for more from the collection! (photo’s by Fabio Iona for style.com)

Proenza Schouler s/s 2015 - 2015 spring fashion trends

Proenza Schouler s/s 2015 – click for more from the collection! (photo’s by Monica Feudi for style.com)

Carolina Herrera s/s 2015

Carolina Herrera s/s 2015 – click for more from the collection! (photo’s by Kim Weston Arnold for style.com)

Prabal Gurung s/s 2015

Prabal Gurung s/s 2015 – click for more from the collection! (photo’s by Kim Weston Arnold for style.com)

Ralph Lauren s/s 2015

Ralph Lauren s/s 2015 – click for more from the collection! (photo’s by Fabio Iona for style.com)

Marc Jacobs s/s 2015

Marc Jacobs s/s 2015 – click for more from the collection! (photo’s by Gianni Pucci for style.com)

Narciso Rodrigues s/s 2015

Narciso Rodrigues s/s 2015 – click for more from the collection! (photo’s by Kim Weston Arnold for style.com)

Oscar de la Renta s/s 2015

Oscar de la Renta s/s 2015 – click for more from the collection! (photo’s by Fabio Iona for style.com)

Versus s/s 2015

Versus s/s 2015 – click for more from the collection! (photo’s by Fabio Iona for style.com)

J Mendel s/s 2015 - 2015 spring fashion trends

J Mendel s/s 2015 – click for more from the collection! (photo’s by Monica Feudi for style.com)

 

 

 

The Met Gala – the fashion industry’s Oscars…

Tim Walker for Vogue - a tribute to Charles James

Photographer Tim Walker photographed models in paper ball gowns for this month’s Vogue (on newsstands now) – a tribute to the great couturier Charles James, who is the feature of this year by the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute’s annual exhibit and was celebrated at last night’s glamorous Met Gala.

Last night was THE fashion event of the year, the Met Gala where the fashion and entertainment collide and what results is epic glamour.  The annual event, which raises money for Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, is chaired by Vogue’s Editor in Chief, the legendary Anna Wintour who brings with her the most monumental fashion moments imaginable.  The Met Gala is the ultimate costume party and every year it is themed around the institute’s fashion exhibit.  In the past its has celebrated everything from Superheroes to Punk and this year they’ve shone the light on the great couturier, Charles James.  Charles James was legendary for his incredible, grand ball gowns and desire for fashion to be considered art.  His creations were nothing less than just that.  The Met Gala brought the glam, the sex appeal and wildest fashion one’s heart can stand.  The red carpet at this ball is not about a best dressed list, its about fashion for the sake of art – its not about being safe or being pretty so bigger is always better (particularly when we’re talking about ball gowns).  Celebrities, models, designer and socialites clamor for a seat at this fairy tale event.  Everyone from Beyonce, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lupita Nyong’o, Rhianna to the world’s greatest supermodels brought there fashion a game.  You can read more about the event, Charles James and see more of the red carpet magic on vogue.com and/or style.com (in my day I would have had to wait for Sunday to watch Elsa Klench on CNN!).  You can check out some of my favorite looks of the evening below but, the truth is, there were just so many incredible fashion moments – if you love a bit of red carpet glamour you have to check it out!

The Met ball

the supermodels brought the ball gown glam! bigger is better! left to right: Karolina Kurkova in Marchesa, Karen Elson in Zac Posen, Jordan Dunn and Toni Garrn both in custom Topshop and Arizona Muse in Ralph & Russo – you can click on the pic to take you to style.com to see more red carpet glam!

met ball

Texture texture everywhere! brocade, beading, lace, and ruffles – these ladies brought the opulence. left to right: Karlie Kloss in Oscar de la Renta, Lupita Nyong’o in Prada, Amber Heard in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture and Suki Waterhouse in Burberry. (again for more red carpet click the pic to take you to style.com)

met ball

The crop top glam clan – the new new is a bit of exposed midriff just below the bustling – these fashion risk takers brought some sexy style the Met red carpet. left to right: Emma Stone (Vogue’s cover girl this month) in Thakoon, Rhianna (wow) in Stella McCarney, Anne Hathaway in Calvin Klein and Cara Delevingne in Stella McCartney. (again click the pick to go to style.com for more!)

met ball

Two of the big red carpet trends we’ve been seeing, black and white and shades of blush – a proper play on tuxedo dressing and pretty in prink, these stars brought both strength and beauty to the red carpet. Left to right: Hailee Steinfeld in Prabal Gurung, Kate Bosworth in Stella McCartney, Charlize Theron in Dior Haute Couture and Taylor Swift in Oscar de la Renta. (click the pick to go to style.com for more!)

met ball

The hottest couples of the evening. The ladies were stunning in plunging gowns and their arm candy wasn’t bad either! left to right: Jay Z and Beyonce both in Givenchy Haute Couture, Blake Lively (WOW!) and Ryan Reynolds in Gucci and Gisele in Balenciaga with Tom Brady in Tom Ford. (for more click the pick to go to style.com)

 

RED CARPET REPORT – Oscar fashion was red carpet gold!

Oscar fashion

My best dressed (left to right) Lupita Nyong’o in Prada, Charlize Theron in Dior, Amy Adamns in Gucci and Kate Hudson in Versace (click the pic to see more of the red carpet glam on style.com)

Last night was the crowning jewel of the awards show season, the Oscars, and the entertainment industry’s best and brightest all turned up on a soggy red carpet showing the world what movie stars should look like.  Oscar fashion did not skimp on the glam, the a-list stars brought their A game and the world got a glimpse of some true fairytale style gowns. My best dressed of the night (once again) was the flawless Lupita Nyong’o who was having her Cinderella moment in the most beautiful pastel blue Prada gown taking the Oscar fashion gold and walking away with her first Oscar trophy. Other favorites were Charlize Theron in a jaw dropping Dior Haute Couture black gown, Amy Adams in a Gucci Premiere gown tailored to perfection and Kate Hudson in shimmering white Atelier Versace perfection.  These 4 ladies highlighted the evenings top Oscar fashion trends – pastels, jewel tones, black and white for color and impeccably tailored fit and flare silhouettes.  Oscar gowns were heavy on the va va voom factor showing off lean silhouettes with amazing curves via peplum accents and mermaid  trains.

Now on to some more of my favorites, the stars that sparkled…

Oscars 2014 fashion best dressed

Metallic ruled the red carpet (left to right) Cate Blanchett in Armani Prive, Angelina Jolie in Elie Saab Haute Couture, Jessica Beil in Chanel Haute Couture and Jennifer Garner in Oscar de la Renta (for more Oscars red carpet click the pic to take you to style.com)

Gold, silver, sparkle and shine could probably be seen from space there was so much of it at last night’s Oscars.  The stars embraced their inner shimmer and metallic hues and embellishment dominated the red carpet.  Last night’s best actress winner, Cate Blanchett radiated in a nude Armani Prive gown with sparkling adornment, while Angelina Jolie brought the glamour with a heavily beaded Elie Saab Haute Couture dress that reminded us why she and Brad are the golden couple.  Jessica Biel in Chanel Haute Couture and Jennifer Garner in Oscar de la Renta shone and shimmered in their long, lean, ethereal gowns which they balanced with relaxed, wavy, side swept hair.  There were many glittering goddesses last night but those four ladies were certainly at the top of my list.

Gorgeous Charlize Theron and Kate Hudson weren’t the only stars that went old hollowed glamour in black and white last night – it was certainly a celebrity favorite…

Oscar fashion 2014 best dressed

The black and white ball (left to right) Anne Hathaway in Gucci, Naomi Watts in Calvin Klein, Olivia Wilde in Valentino and Kristen Bell in Roberto Cavalli (click the pic to take you to style.com for more Oscar red carpet)

I first need to talk about the glowing and gorgeous Olivia Wilde who stunned in a black and white Valentino gown that made pregnancy look better than ever.  Olivia Wilde is ALWAYS one of my red carpet favorites but she knocked it out of the park last night looking every bit the movie star momma that proves that being pregnant doesn’t mean having to sacrifice style.  Two of my other favorite mommas rocked the ever popular white (or shades of light as I like to call it) gowns – I’m talking about Naomi Watts in Calvin Klein Collection and the always ebullient Kristen Bell in Roberto Cavalli.  These ladies were white hot in beautiful figure hugging, embellished gowns that absolutely glowed on the red carpet.  In stark contrast to the white was Anne Hathaway who did a fashion about face from last year’s pretty in pink look with  a gorgeous Gucci black column gown.  This was no ordinary little black dress, Anne brought a glamorous edge to the red carpet in this figure hugging gown with bejeweled chest indicting a new fashion era for the star.

Finally, we need to talk about the color that graced the carpet – yes there were some smatterings of pastels but, for me, it was all about the jewel tones, ruby, sapphire, amethyst and emerald were just a few…

Oscar 2014 fashion trend report

The jewel tones (left to right) Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Haute Couture, Kerry Washington in Jason Wu, Sandra Bullock in Alexander McQueen and Idina Menzel in Vera Wang (for more Oscar style click the pic to go to style.com)

One of my favorites, Jennifer Lawrence, made an entrance in a gorgeous ruby red Haute Couture shortly before taking a stumble on the red carpet, reminding us or her Oscar win last year and how she took over our hearts with her endearing personality.  Another fashion favorite of mine, Kerry Washington, styled her baby bump (which looks like its about to pop!) in an amethyst Jason Wu gown.  Showing off her pregnancy curves and a lot of leg proved just how sexy and glamorous pregnancy can be!  Of course, my favorite, Amy Adams rocked the sapphire blue and so did the gorgeous Sandra Bullock who looked better than ever in this beautifully draped Alexander Mcqueen dress that swirled and pooled at her feet in silky perfection.  Finally, there were the emerald ladies, Viola Davis, June Squibb and the insanely talented Idina Menzel who radiated in Vera Wang.

So, with that, awards season has wrapped and Oscar fashion did not disappoint!  The stars brought all the glitz, old hollywood glamour and style by the mile that one red carpet could take.  So, who were your favorites from last night?

RUNWAY REPORT – runway to red carpet predictions from NY fashion week

Its that time of year again – awards show and fashion shows – and believe me, the two go very much hand in hand.  New York’s Autumn Winter collections have just finished so I wanted to do a post on all me runway to red carpet predictions for the upcoming Oscars.  This runway report has nothing to do about the practical trends we will be wearing come fall – this is all about the hollywood glamour we can keep an eye out for when the Academy Awards happen in the beginning of March.  I am going to help you be in the know so you can keep up with all the E! reporters on the red carpet.  The major trends are much the same as we’ve been seeing: black, white, black and white, red, metallics, embellishment, sheer, prints and lots and lots of leg! That’s right, shoes will once again get their chance to shine on the red carpet with more hi-low hemlines and thigh high slits that keep on going…  You may even notice a nod to 80′s over the top glam as well as 90′s subdued minimalism.  Glamour is everywhere and figuring out what you want to see your favorite Oscar contender to be wearing can be great fun – so check out some of my favorite gowns from NY fashion week and make your runway to red carpet predictions! My one to watch is Lupita Nyong’o who can do no wrong when it comes to here red carpet decisions – will she wear Ralph Lauren again, go for a pop of bright color or do something completely unexpected?  Seeing runway translate to the red carpet is one of my favorite things – so check out some of the fabulous frocks that designer are creating that are making celebrities and their stylist vie for!  PS – if you click any of the pics it’ll take you to that designer’s Autumn/Winter ’14 collection on style.com (my favorite site) so you can see all the latest designs for yourself!

Ralph Lauren oscar gown predictions

Ralph Lauren A/W 2014 top oscar gown contenders

runway to red carpet predictions

Oscar de la Renta A/W ’14 top oscar gown contenders

runway to red carpet oscar contenders

Marchesa AW ’14 top oscar gown contenders

red carpet predictions for 2014 oscars

Carolina Herrera A/W ’14 oscar gown contenders

runway to redcarpet

J. Mendel A/W ’14 oscar gown contenders

donna karan oscar down contenders

Donna Karan A/W ’14 Oscar gown contenders

oscar gown predictions

Monique LHuillier A/W ’14 oscar gown contenders

Zac Posen oscar gowns

Zac Posen A/W ’14 oscar gown contenders

runway to red carpet oscar dress predictions

Kaufmanfranco A/W ’14 oscar gown predictions

Prabal Gurung runway to red carpet oscar gowns

Prabal Gurung A/W ’14 oscar gown contenders

 

RED CARPET REPORT – Grammy fashion

So the Grammy Awards were last night, when we get to watch the music industry’s best, brightest and greatest legends come together for a night of amazing performances and often times crazy Grammy fashion.  Musicians are not like other celebrities – they don’t have to fear the worst dressed list because  the same rules don’t apply to them.  If Lady Gaga wants to come dressed as a purple duck we can call it performance art and a great Grammy moment because these artists are just that… artists.  How they dress can be entirely who they are for that moment, that performance, that red carpet.  Madonna has long been the queen of reinvention and Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Nikki Minaj, Miley Cyrus and Rihanna all follow that line of fashion risk taking.  They are often caricatures of themselves and they’re having fun and giving us something to talk about…  Last night we didn’t get Lady Gaga, but we did get Madonna in Ralph Lauren’s menswear inspired runway look, Katy Perry in Valentino Couture look #1 fresh off the Paris runway and Beyonce bringing it as always in an incredibly sexy Michael Costello gown.  Check out some of my favorite Grammy fashion wild style from the evening…

grammy fashion

left to right: Beyonce in Michael Costello, Madonna in Ralph Lauren and Katy Perry in Valentino Haute Couture

Of course, now we need to talk about some of my Grammy fashion favorites that stood head and shoulders above the rest for their sexy, sleek glam.  All that glitters was a huge trend last night and the ladies that took gold for me were Taylor, Chrissy and Ciara.   Taylor Swift looked better than ever (and too the Grammy fashion gold for me last night) in glimmering Gucci Premiere, Chrissy Teigen was legendary in Johanna Johnson and Ciara…  Well, a very pregnant Ciara glowed for expectant momma’s everywhere in Emilio Pucci showing us how maternity red carpet should be done!  Check out these gorgeous golden glamazons…

grammy fashion

left to right: Ciara in Emilio Pucci, Taylor Swift in Gucci Premiere and Chrissy Teigen in Johanna Johnson

Finally, there had to be the sexy ladies of the Grammy’s – those ladies that took the plunge.  Streamline, body skimming gowns with necklines so low one could only imagine the amount of double sided tape being used to prevent any potential wardrobe malfunctions.  My other favorite of the evening was the amazing Miranda Lambert in a gorgeous Pamella Roland gown in the hot color of the awards season – red.  Miranda brought exactly the right balance of sexy, chic glam (and I’m not just saying that because my bestie, and Max’s God Mom, Tiffany Gifford is her stylist).  Other ladies that took the sexy Grammy fashion plunge were presenter Anna Kendrick in Azzaro and Alicia Keys looking beautiful in blue Armani Prive.  The ladies (and their ladies) looked incredible, and fortunately there were no Grammy Fashion violations (aka nip slips) despite the down to their necklines.  Check out some of last nights sexiest looks…

grammy fashion

left to right: Miranda Lambert in Pamella Roland, Anna Kendrick in Azzaro and Alicia Keys in Armani Prive.

RUNWAY REPORT… Couture fashion for the red carpet

Couture Fashion week is happening in Paris at the moment and for those of you who don’t work in fashion – this is when designers show off their ultimate most innovative, expensive and beautiful designs. For those of us who work in fashion – couture is what makes our hearts beat faster and truly is art.  These dresses will not see the racks of Saks or Nordstroms – these are usually one offs many costing in the six figures – they are hand made from the most exquisite fabrics by the most talented design teams.  Where you WILL see them is on the red carpet.  And with awards season upon us, keep an eye out for some of these amazing designs.  Couture fashion week happens just at the right time for these gowns to potentially make appearances on the biggest stars in the world.  With the Grammys coming up on Sunday stylists and designers will be desperately trying to get these dresses to LA from Paris for their red carpet debut.  Some of the wilder more daring (super sheer and sexy) designs will probably be the hot ticket dresses for Sunday, while the more conservative but equally stunning gowns are probably being  fought over right now for the Academy Awards.  I have put together some select favorites from a few of the couture fashion show so that you too can be in the know and keep an eye out to see which of your favorite celebrities will be wearing what…  There were blacks, whites, nudes, pastels, reds, metallics  and so much adornment you would think Liberace himself had a hand in these designs.  No expense has been spared and no detail overlooked.  Here are some of the most exquisite gowns from couture fashion week – who do you think should wear these looks on the red carpet? (PS – click on any of these pics to see the whole collection)

Chanel couture 2014

Chanel Spring Couture 2014

Elie Saab 2104

Elie Saab Spring Couture 2014 (there were soooooo many beautiful dresses – impossible to narrow down – see for yourself by clicking on the picture)

Atelier Versace Spring Couture 2014

Atelier Versace Spring Couture 2014

photo 1-2

Christian Dior Spring Couture 2014 (PS – Jennifer Lawrence is the face of Dior so her Oscar gown and recent Golden Globes gown were both Dior – she will most likely be wearing Dior for the upcoming Oscars)

Giambattista Valli Couture 2014

Giambattista Valli Spring Couture 2014

Armani Prive Couture 2014

Armani Prive Spring Couture 2014

Zuhair Murad couture 2014

Zuhair Murad Spring Couture 2014 ( a favorite amongst celebs like Jennifer Lopez – some of these incredibly sexy and revealing gowns may make an appearance on Sunday if they make the flight in time! Hope there’s plenty of double sided tape to prevent wardrobe malfunctions – a big Grammy no-no!)

Valentino Couture 2014

Valention Spring Couture 2014 (could someone wear the operatic music score number he opened with for the Grammys?)