Nick Verreos's Blog, page 30
February 9, 2018
FIDM MUSEUM.....Opening Night 26th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition: RECAP!
FIDM Museum Fab: Nick Verreos at the Opening Night Party of the 26th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition, FIDM Museum Los Angeles
This past Saturday was the Opening Night Party for the 26th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition at FIDM Museum. Every year--for the past 26 years-- FIDM Museum and my Alma Mater and the college of which I am the Official Spokesperson for, the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Downtown Los Angeles, has presented this FABULOUS exhibition celebrating costume design and costumes of many of the past year's movies.
Gown Sketch Entrance: Entrance of the 26th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition. Sketch by FIDM Instructor and Artist, Nancy Riegelman--FIDM Museum, Los Angeles
This year, the exhibition includes over 125 costumes from 15+ film, including the five Best Costume Design Academy Award nominees! Which includes "Beauty and The Beast", "Darkest Hour", "Phantom Thread", "The Shape of Water" and "Victoria and Abdul". Here is my BLOG RECAP of the night.
Fashion Designers, Costume Designers and...Sequined Skating Costumes!--Opening Night of the 26th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition, FIDM Museum Los Angeles
Lower left photo courtesy of FIDM and Benjamin Shmikler/ABImages; Right photo courtesy of FIDM and Alex J. Berliner/ABImages
First, I will start with the FIVE Academy Award nominated costumes on display plus some of the others at the exhibition. As an EXTRA "Nick Blog" Bonus, I'll include some "Inside Dish" I found out through my many, many hours of research on some of the costumes displayed!! Following that, some "Party Photos" of the illustrious guests at the Opening Night:
2018 Academy Award nominated for Best Costume Design "Beauty and The Beast" costumes by Jacqueline Durran
Photo courtesy of FIDM and Alex J. Berliner/ABImages
**INSIDE DISH: Actress Emma Watson did not want her "Belle" to be so corseted so the costume designer, "relaxed" her styles for the movie. Also: Even though the Beast was done through CGI, Durran still had to create an actual costume!
2 018 Academy Award nominated for Best Costume Design "Darkest Hour" costumes by Jacqueline Durran
Photo courtesy of FIDM and Alex J. Berliner/ABImages
**INSIDE DISH: The costume designer, , researched the actual London Savile Row tailors who made suits for Winston Churchill, Henry Poole & Co. One of their tailors flew to L.A. to measure actor Gary Oldman (with his "fat suit" on) and then created suits for the film.
2018 Academy Award nominated for Best Costume Design "Phantom Thread" costumes by Mark Bridges
Photo courtesy of FIDM and Alex J. Berliner/ABImages
**INSIDE DISH: Actor Daniel Day-Lewis wanted to "get into his character's mind" so much that he did an apprenticeship with the N.Y.C. Ballet and helped construct "Firebird" costumes. He also made a 1950's Balenciaga gown for his wife. Costume designer Mark Bridges found this incredible 17th Century Flemish lace...and cut into it, to use for one of the film's gowns (seen above).
2 018 Academy Award nominated for Best Costume Design "The Shape of Water" costumes by Luis Sequeira
Photo courtesy of FIDM and Alex J. Berliner/ABImages
**INSIDE DISH: Toronto-based Costume designer Luis Sequeira did a lot of research for the film--based in early 1960's Baltimore about a budding relationship between a South American "fish-man" and a mute janitor. Even though Sally Hawkins' character "Elisa" did not spend much money on her clothes (they were more 50's than 60's because she shopped at thrift stores), she did have a shoe fetish. The red shoes above are "inspired" by a pair of Ferragamos.
"Victoria and Abdul" costumes by Consolota Boyle--2018 Academy Award nominated for Best Costume Design
Photo courtesy of FIDM and Alex J. Berliner/ABImages
**INSIDE DISH: The actual Queen Victoria was under 5 feet tall and had a waist measuring about 60"-62"! She was tiny but wide. She was also a hoarder and kept many of her gowns. Because Queen Victoria wore several gowns/outfits during the day and they were all kept away from daylight--and in addition, they were cared for very well by her "ladies in waiting", her gowns are still, to this day, in very good shape.
Here are some of the other costumes on display--they may not have been nominated for the Best Costume Design but it's WONDERFUL to have them at the Exhibition, of course:
Figure Skating Sparkle--"I. Tonya" costumes by Jennifer Johnson--26th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition, FIDM Museum
Top photo courtesy of FIDM and Alex J. Berliner/ABImages
**INSIDE DISH: Costume designer Jennifer Johnson got a lot of her research by acquiring photo clippings from eBay of Tonya Harding. She discovered that her and her ex-husband, Jeff Gillooly began to dress alike. In regards to her famous costumes above, the costume designer never met with Tonya or saw the actual costumes prior to re-creating them. Harding was so impressed that after finally meeting the costume designer at the movie's premiere, she told her "How did you get my costumes!!??"
"Star Wars: The Last Jedi" costumes by Michael Kaplan--26th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition, FIDM Museum
Top photo courtesy of FIDM and Alex J. Berliner/ABImages
**INSIDE DISH: Costume designer Michael Kaplan --who designed the previous "Star Wars" as well as the upcoming one--said he had inspiration boards for the red "Elite Praetorian Guards". Guess what was on those boards? 1970's muscle cars! Yep! So, next time you think of 70's red Corvettes, think "Star Wars: The Last Jedi".
"The Greatest Showman" costumes by Ellen Mirojnick--26th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition, FIDM Museum
Top photo courtesy of FIDM and Alex J. Berliner/ABImages
**INSIDE DISH: Costume designer Ellen Mirojnick said that the director told her to be less "Period-correct" and more "Vogue Fashion Editorial". She commissioned Swarovski to provide 60,000 crystals for costumes in the film--14,000 of which were supposedly used on actress Zendaya's purple leotard costume (above).
"Lady Bird" costumes by April Napier--26th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition, FIDM Museum
Photo courtesy of FIDM and Alex J. Berliner/ABImages
**INSIDE DISH: "Lady Bird" was set in 2002 Sacramento, the actual styles used in the film reflected a more 1990's feel. Why? Because--as it was said in the film "Sacramento was the Midwest of California"...not particularly the capital of style. According to
"Wonder Woman" costumes by Lindy Hemming--26th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition, FIDM Museum
Photo courtesy of FIDM and Alex J. Berliner/ABImages
**INSIDE DISH: Costume designer was the costume designer for many James Bond/007 movies, including "Casino Royale". For "Wonder Woman", she looked at ancient Greece for inspiration as well as societies in which women were the powerful rulers. For "Wonder Woman"'s costume, Hemming lined the costume with faux fur to keep the actress Gal Gadot warm during cold outdoor filming.
Opening Party Pics:
Nick Verreos with Academy Award nominated costume designer Luis Sequeira of "The Shape of Water"--Opening Night Party of the 26th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition, FIDM Museum
Photo courtesy of FIDM and Alex J. Berliner/ABImages
Academy Award winning costume designer--and nominated this year for "Phantom Thread", costume designer Mark Bridges--Opening Night Party of the 26th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition, FIDM Museum
Photo courtesy of FIDM and Alex J. Berliner/ABImages
(L to R) Arianne Phillips, costume designer for "Kingsman: The Golden Circle" and Ellen Mirojnick, costume designer for "The Greatest Showman"--Opening Night Party of the 26th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition, FIDM Museum
Photo courtesy of FIDM and Alex J. Berliner/ABImages
(L to R): Barbara Bundy, FIDM Museum Director and Nick Verreos--Opening Night Party of the 26th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition, FIDM Museum
Photo courtesy of FIDM and Alex J. Berliner/ABImages
NIKOLAKI Boys-- (L to R): David Paul and Nick Verreos--Opening Night Party of the 26th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition, FIDM Museum
Photo courtesy of FIDM and Benjamin Shmikler/ABImages
Suited Designers--(L to R) Costume Designer (and FIDM Alumna) Mona May and Nick Verreos--Opening Night Party of the 26th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition, FIDM Museum
Photo courtesy of FIDM and Benjamin Shmikler/ABImages
Fashion Illustrating Fab--(L to R) Fashion Illustrator/Artist/Instructor Nancy Riegelman and Nick Verreos--Opening Night Party of the 26th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition, FIDM Museum
The Greatest ShowWOMAN--(L to R)"The Greatest Showman" Costume Designer Ellen Mirojnick and Nick Verreos--Opening Night Party of the 26th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition, FIDM Museum
Photo courtesy of FIDM and Alex J. Berliner/ABImages
Oscar Winning Colleen--(L to R) Academy Award winning costume designer Colleen Atwood and Nick Verreos--Opening Night Party of the 26th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition, FIDM Museum
Photo courtesy of FIDM and Benjamin Shmikler/ABImages
Golden Statue--Academy Award for Best Costume Design 2017 for Colleen Atwood and "Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them"--26th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition, FIDM Museum
Photo courtesy of FIDM and Alex J. Berliner/ABImages
Here is all the information on the FABULOUS new exhibition:
*WHAT: 26th Annual Art of Motion Picture Costume Design Exhibition
*WHEN: February 6-April 7, 2018; Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm/Closed Sundays, Mondays, Holidays
*WHERE: FIDM Museum, 949 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles 90015, Ground Floor, Entrance facing Grand-Hope Park
*FREE: Open to the public.
*For More Information: Contact Shirley Wilson at SWilson@fidm.com or for special tours, call 213-623-5821 ext 337
January 29, 2018
WHO WORE WHAT?.....Grammy Awards 2018: My TOP TEN Best Dressed List!
Lady Gaga in Custom Armani Prive
The 60th Annual Grammy Awards took place last night at Madison Square Garden in New York City, the first time since 2003 that the ceremony was held outside of Los Angeles. Historically, the Grammys Red Carpet is usually not the....how shall I say this delicately...most Haute of Glamorous Red Carpets and this year was no exception. Because it is the Grammy Awards, lots of singers/musicians bring out their "unusual" taste in personal style onto the carpet, with many of them opting for some outfit personally made for them by who-knows-who (sometimes, it looks as if their cousins made it!)--EXHIBIT A:
Ummmm...(L to R) Emilou Harris, Joy Villa and Jaden Smith--Grammy Awards 2018 Red Carpet, Madison Square Garden NYC
While yes, the Grammys red carpet is known to be a more "kooky" red carpet and there are questionable style choices...this adds to the fun and not-so-perfectly-scripted red carpet of say, the Oscars. With all that said, after looking at all the Grammy Awards 2018 red carpet photos, these were my TOP TEN--it was a struggle to find TEN BEST but...here we are:
1. Lady Gaga in Custom Armani Prive--Lady Gaga was BY FAR my Number one Best dressed at the 2018 Grammy Awards red carpet. When she arrived, it was like "Make room for THE QUEEN Ladies and Gentlemen!" Lady Gaga wore a black lace and jacquard satin ensemble Custom made by Armani Prive. The look featured a beaded lace bodysuit/jumpsuit with high neck, sleeves and very structured shoulders held up by 80's style shoulder pads. The ensemble also had a voluminous overskirt finishing off the style. She was giving Goth Vampira Diva 80's Couture!
Flawless--One of the BEST parts was her FABULOUS laced-up braided hair and that GORGEOUS makeup! Bravo to her hair and makeup artists for such flawless looks.
2. Hailee Steinfeld in Alexandre Vauthier Spring 2018--My Number Two choice was actress Hailee Steinfeld in this strapless white gown--with purple knee-high stiletto boots. The look was courtesy of French designer Alexandre Vauthier and his Spring 2018 Ready-to-Wear collection. Vathier is known for UBER sexy, va-va-voom super short dresses so this was an elegant-yet-still-sexy choice. The gown, which featured side pockets and a front slit fit her beautifully and Hailee looked gorgeous (not hard for Hailee!). I also loved how easy it must have been for the stylists to style her since well, she wore the entire look--purple boots and all.
3. Janelle Monae in Dolce & Gabbana "Secret Show" Spring/Summer 2018--Always a style iconoclast--Janelle Monae opted to wear a pantsuit for her 2018 Grammy Awards red carpet appearance. The wide-leg pants ensemble was from Dolce & Gabbana "Secret Show" Spring/Summer 2018 and featured flower applique over silk jacquard. The look gave a Tuxedo/Toreador Vibe and even though she was completely covered up, she looked quite sexy. I also think it was wise to wear a small bow tie as opposed to the more overwhelming one seen on the runway model.
4. Camila Cabello in Custom Vivienne Westwood Couture--Camila Cabello wore a strapless red gown from Vivienne Westwood Couture. The dress featured a draped "sweetheart" neckline, rouched front torso and exaggerated hourglass shape with back train. The gown was VERY Vivienne Westwood and looked great on Camilla. I also loved her upswept hair style and sequined "Disco Ball"-like purse.
5. Sza in Atelier Versace Fall 2017--You really can't go wrong with a $100,000 costing Atelier Versace gown and Sza (and her stylist) must have realized this when choosing this for the 2018 Grammy Awards. She looked like a "Game of Thrones" Winter Queen in this Atelier Versace Fall/Winter 2017 gown. The ivory sequined (every crystal hand-sewn!) tulle dress was completely see-through and came with a super-constructed boned inner corset-and-panties to help give the sexy shape to the look. A STUNNING dress and definitely entrance-making for the Grammys.
6. Rita Ora in Ralph & Russo Couture Spring 2018--Another 2018 Grammys attendee wearing very, very expensive haute couture was Rita Ora. She looked DIVINE in this strapless black silk velvet gown from British-based duo of Ralph & Russo and their Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018 collection which was just shown last week in Paris. I loved every inch of this on Ora, especially the super-exposing front slit, showing off her toned leg, as well as the off-the-shoulder stand-up detail with "hidden" crystal applique. The entire look reminded me of an updated version of that famous John Singer Sargent's "Portrait of Madame X":
7. Chrissy Teigen in Yanina Couture--A fabulously pregnant Chrissy Teigen dazzled into my Number 7 spot here with this sequined dress from Russian designer/brand Yanina Couture. The tea-length dress--custom made for her--featured split-open "kimono-like sleeves, draped front details, front slit and an underbust band. The style--with all of those aforementioned details (cover the arms, show some leg, emphasize the area before the baby bump!)--is a MASTER CLASS in a perfect dress for a pregnant woman. Not only was the fit right, the proportions perfect, but it made her sexy as heck (kind of not difficult to do with La Teigen!).
8. Lorde in Valentino Pre-Fall 2018--Lorde wore this BEAUTIFUL red gown from Valentino Pre-Fall 2018 for the 2018 Grammy Awards last night. I loved seeing her in such an ultra feminine style as opposed to her usually darker/moodier looks. The ballgown featured layers upon layers of point d'esprit silk chiffon and tulle and that classic "Valentino" peek-a-boo neckline and in the iconic "Valentino Red". This is a gown one would choose for say, a black-tie bash at the Ritz in Paris but....I love that she wore it to, of all places, the Grammy Awards!
9. Heidi Klum in Ashi Studio Fall 2017--If anyone can work the "nude dress" and see-though trend, it is Fräulein Klum. And work it she did! For the 2018 Grammy Awards, Klum wore this black lace and point d'esprit gown from Beirut Lebanon-based Ashi Studio Fall/Winter 2017 Ready-to-Wear. The see-through dress featured intricate puzzle-like lace pieces, a boned corset and matching panties. I thought this was a perfect choice for Heidi at the Grammy's.
Lastly...
10. Cardi B in Ashi Studio Couture Fall/Winter 2017--Now, I know this choice might be a little controversial (from looking at my Instagram post !), but hear me out: I really liked this ivory dress from Lebanon designer Ashi Studio Couture Fall/Winter 2017 (same designer worn by Heidi Klum). I thought the design and that cascading "Angel wing"-like back was very dramatic and impacting. I do, however, realize that Cardi B is very petite (she's 5' 2") and this style of a dress probably would have been better served by a taller gal; it was overwhelming and a bit "heavy" on her. But I love that she took a chance, made a impact and looked like an Angelic Snow Queen.
What did you guys think of last night's Grammy Awards 2018 Red Carpet and WHO were YOUR BEST DRESSED picks???
January 26, 2018
RUNWAY REPORT.....Paris Haute Couture Spring 2018: Chanel Haute Couture
Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
WHAT: Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018. Karl Lagerfeld's vision of feminine, pretty Parisian women...wearing Chanel Haute Couture $40,000+ suits and dresses of $100,000+, if you were to order them. Look closely to the hand-done details...they are worth EVERY Euro!
INSPIRATION: According to Lagerfeld, his inspiration for Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018 collection was simple: Paris and Parisian gardens.
SEEN ON THE RUNWAY: Hand-crafted tweeds, boucles; thousands of hours of hand work to create one--of-a-kind Chanel fabrics. In terms of silhouettes, there were scooped-up necklines; A-line shapes; sequined mini dresses under layers of sequined silk tulle and chiffon; side pocket details. 16-year old Kaia Gerber (Cindy Crawford's beautiful daughter) modeled, naturally.
Sequined Boucle Tweeds--Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Beads and Plastic--Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Teal Sequins and Hand Pleating--Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Delicate Applique--Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS:
Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Click below to watch Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018 Show:
And don't forget about my NEW "The Pageant Coloring Book"! Where you can create your very own Evening Gown Competition with 25 of my hand-drawn Pageant Queen illustrations. Click HERE to purchase NOW on amazon.com:
January 25, 2018
RUNWAY REPORT.....Paris Haute Couture Spring 2018: Valentino Haute Couture
Valentino Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
WHAT: Valentino Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018. To the amazing sounds of Maria Callas' "Tosca", Pierpaolo Piccioli's Valentino Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018 show brought attending guests to a standing ovation--including Donatella Versace and THE Valentino Garavani.
INSPIRATION: The opera; 16th-century Italian master Pontormo; Belle Epoque designer Lady Duff-Gordon, and 1950's-1980's magazine photos of haute couture.
Pontormo
1960's (Left, Center) and 1980's Valentino (Right)
SEEN ON THE RUNWAY: Theatrical ensembles, UBER large feathered Philip Treacy hats, billowing ruffled opera coats, gowns, large bows; gold, blue, plum, vermillion, cerulean blue and pink; hand-sewn silk organza appliques; sequined flowers.
Couture Details--Valentino Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Alta Moda Sequins--Valentino Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Feather Philip Treacy Hats--Valentino Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS:
Valentino Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Valentino Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Valentino Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Valentino Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Valentino Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Valentino Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Valentino Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Valentino Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Valentino Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Valentino Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Valentino Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Valentino Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Valentino Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Valentino Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Click below to watch Valentino Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018 Show:
RUNWAY REPORT.....Paris Haute Couture Spring 2018: Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture
Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
WHAT: Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018.
INSPIRATION: An homage to legendary designer Pierre Cardin.
1960s Pierre Cardin
95-year-old Pierre Cardin (center) with muse Maryse Gaspard (left), front row at the Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture show, Paris, France
COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS:
Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Click below to watch Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018 Show:
January 24, 2018
RUNWAY REPORT.....Paris Haute Couture Spring 2018: Elie Saab Haute Couture
Sequined Paris--Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
WHAT: Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018.
INSPIRATION: 1920's Paris. Josephine Baker, Mistinguett, Kiki de Montparnasse.
1920's Divas--(L to R) Josephine Baker, Mistinguett at the Moulin Rouge, Kiki de Montparnasse
SEEN ON THE RUNWAY: The "Nude Dress" is BACK (it's never been "gone" for Elie Saab, of course)...Party Gowns Galore...Sheer sequined "Goddess Gowns"; incredible sequin/beading, feathers, sequined caps; Art Deco-like beading; silk satin bow accents.
Nude Ladies: Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Art Deco Sequins: Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Bow Gals: Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS:
Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Click below to watch Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018 Show:
RUNWAY REPORT.....Paris Haute Couture Spring 2018: Armani Prive
Armani Prive Spring/Summer 2018
WHAT: Armani Prive Spring/Summer 2018.
INSPIRATION: Giorgio Armani said this collection was inspired by the sky.
SEEN ON THE RUNWAY: Shorts, hand-printed tops, dresses, multi-layered paillettes, gorgeous petal/bow/Obi-like draping, Hand-made croq-skin jackets, sequined dresses.
Alligator and Pailletes--Armani Prive Spring/Summer 2018
Petal and Bow Drapes--Armani Prive Spring/Summer 2018
COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS:
Armani Prive Spring/Summer 2018
Armani Prive Spring/Summer 2018
Armani Prive Spring/Summer 2018
Armani Prive Spring/Summer 2018
Armani Prive Spring/Summer 2018
Armani Prive Spring/Summer 2018
Armani Prive Spring/Summer 2018
Armani Prive Spring/Summer 2018
Armani Prive Spring/Summer 2018
Armani Prive Spring/Summer 2018
Click below to watch Armani Prive Spring/Summer 2018 Show:
RUNWAY REPORT.....Paris Haute Couture Spring 2018: Givenchy Haute Couture
Givenchy Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
WHAT: Givenchy Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018. Newly-appointed Creative Director/Designer Clare Waight Keller's (formerly of Chloe) first Haute Couture collection for the iconic French fashion house.
INSPIRATION: Modern take of archival pieces from Hubert de Givenchy:
Givenchy Couture circa 1950's, 1960's
SEEN ON THE RUNWAY: Sculpted tailoring, black, cobalt blue, blush pink, off-white, monastic necklines, architectural shapes, Men's Couture.
COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS:
Givenchy Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Givenchy Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Givenchy Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Givenchy Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018: Men!
Givenchy Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Givenchy Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Givenchy Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Givenchy Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Givenchy Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Givenchy Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018: Men
Givenchy Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Givenchy Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Click here to watch Givenchy Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018 Show:
RUNWAY REPORT.....Paris Haute Couture Spring 2018: Giambattista Valli Haute Couture
Garden Couture--Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
WHAT: Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018. For Spring 2018, designer Giambattista Valli offered some of the most beautiful dresses and ensembles seen on the Paris Haute Couture runways, as Vogue.com described it: "When the world is going to hell in a handcart, there comes a moment while you’re sitting at an haute couture show that you just have to surrender...Right now, it’s a welcome moment of release from a reality that sadly—very sadly—doesn’t seem to be going away any time soon. Bring on the pretty dresses, please—like, now—to provide a nanosecond of distraction."
INSPIRATION: "The Wild Garden" book:
DETAILS: Jewel embellishment, delicate macrame, 3-D appliques...the final gowns were made of 350 meters of pleated tulle!
Jewels, Feathers and Velvet Macrame--Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Sequined Couture--Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS:
Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018
Click below to watch Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2018 Show:
ICE STYLE.....2018 European Figure Skating Championships COSTUMES: ICE DANCE & PAIRS!
Glorious Gold--Guillaume Cizeron and Gabriella Papadakis of France during their Free Dance at the 2018 European Figure Skating Championships. Moscow Russia
To wrap up my 2018 European Figure Skating Championships COSTUMES "Ice Style" blogs, I have discussed the LADIES HERE and the MEN HERE so now, it' time for PAIRS and ICE DANCE! Let's begin with PAIRS:
Nicole Della Monica and Matteo Guarise of Italy:Free Skate to The Tree Of Life by Roberto Cacciapagua: Plain and simple, these were two fabulous costumes from the Italians. The colors were vibrant and ice-impacting and they looked like a wonderful and sexy sea/earth flora-and-fauna God and Goddess in these. I especially loved the silver, turquoise, aqua and baby blue crystals throughout their costumes. And it bears mentioning how HOT Matteo looked in his turquoise and navy blue jumpsuit...even with that questionable hipster topknot hair!
Vanessa James and Morgan Cipres of France Short Program to Make It Rain by Ed Sheeran arranged by Maxime Rodriguez : Leave it to Vanessa and Morgan to get me excited about Pairs Costumes: They always BRING IT! And this season is no exception. For their Short Program Vanessa wore this (almost) painted-on silver unitard/bodysuit. The costume had a gorgeously sequined bodice and...SERIOUSLY, it was A SECOND SKIN: She looked AMAZING. Morgan was not left behind--costume-wise--with his matching silver top and gray skin-tight pants. His top was quite nicely designed with the solid/nude illusion panels, side slits, super tight fit, and slim sleeves. I love how the costume designer made BOTH of them SO SUPER SEXY. I especially liked the back nude/solid detail of his top.
**NEW COSTUMES ALERT** Ksenia Stolbova and Fedor Klimov of Russia Free Skate to Carmen Suite: Russians Stolbova and Klimov wore these NEW costumes above for their Free Skate to Bizet's iconic music. She wore a fire-red mini-dress "Carmen" costume with black and red sequin applique at the bust, as well as nude illusion neckline/yoke. Klimov donned a "Matador"-like ensemble consisting of black pants and a Toreador-inspired shirt. I liked the lace appliques on his shirt that mimicked a bullfighter's iconic jacket. While these costumes were nice and they were chosen to be part of the Russian Olympic team, it was a little sad to hear that Ksenia had been banned by the IOC. No word on whether she tested positive for "illegal substances" but one can only assume. So say Adios to these "Carmen" costumes and to Stolbova and Klimov. For now. In case you are wondering....below is what they wore earlier in the season:
Ksenia Stolbova and Fedor Klimov: Rostelecom Cup of Russia 2017
Evgenia Tarasova and Vladimir Morozov of Russia Free Skate to Candyman by Christina Aguilera: For their Free Skate, they decided to go Kooky! While I guess there were hints of the WWII 40's Milk Shake Diner Style to these looks, they were still more "The Mask" than "Candyman". I don't know but these costumes just seem a little too "comical", especially for an Olympic year skate. Well, at least they haven't been banned #JustSaying .
ICE DANCE:
**NEW COSTUMES ALERT** Anna Cappellini and Luca Lanotte of Italy Free Dance to Biongiorno Principessa (from "La Vita e Bella" soundtrack), Life Is Beautiful (from "La Vita e Bella" soundtrack) by Nicola Piovani, arranged & performed by Mi Loco Tango, and La Vita e Bella (from "La Vita e Bella" soundtrack) by Nicola Piovani arranged by Claudio Mandonico--Cappellini and Lanotte are known for their very Italy-centric Ice Dances and this Olympic Season was no exception for their Free Dance. The costume she wore at this past weekend's 2018 European Figure Skating Championships was a NEW COSTUME...yet his stayed the same. Her new costume was a red dress featuring a gathered torso, satin underbust band, 3/4-length sleeves and a gored skirt. This was much improved from what she previously had been wearing: a sad, yawn-inducing ivory lace-top dress:
I'm glad she changed!
Penny Coomes and Nicholas Buckland of Great Britain Short Dance to Rhumba: Rhumba d'Amour; Samba: Batucada performed DJ Dero--I really love this British Ice Dance pair and I liked these sassy costumes for the Latin-inspired Short Dance. Penny wore a black with silver sequined applique design that was impacting and almost very "Chicago"-esque (Hello fringe!). And Nicholas looked sexy in his black costume, also featuring sequin applique on his top.
Free Dance to Exogenesis Symphony Part I and Part II by Muse; Butterflies and Hurricanes by Muse; Butterflies and Hurricanes performed by William Joseph--For their Free Dance, Penny wore a butterfly-inspired costume in purple, lilac and black which I liked and Nicholas wore a black costume comprised of pants and a dress shirt with beautiful silver sequin detail. These were nice designs but part of me wished there were slight purple/lilac details on him, to make them look more like a pair.
Sara Hurtado and Kirill Khaliavin of Spain Free Dance to Don Quijote by Leon Minkus--Spain's Ice Dance pair of Hurtado and Khaliavin (he's from Russia, naturally!), wore these sexy "Viva España" costumes for their "Don Quijote" Free Dance. I thought that these design certainly evoked the Spanish spirit; Hurtado looking like a Sevillana Diva and Khaliavin giving me Hot Toreador. These should go down well when they represent Spain at the Olympics next month!
Alexandra Stepanova and Ivan Bukin of Russia Free Dance to Love Story Theme, Love's Dream by Rick Wakeman, Liebestraum No. 3 in A-Flat Minor, S. 541 by Franz Lizst, performed by Martin Jones: These costumes were pretty, and right for the music. The delicate blush pink color story hinted at love. At first I was worried that the color should have been stronger since their own skin color isn't too far away from that blush muted pink but, surprisingly it worked on them. I also loved the intricate, yet beautiful sequined flower applique on her torso which, once again, gave a nod to romance. His soft blouson-sleeve shirt (with a DEEP plunging neckline!) also gave a feel of Romanticism and Love. Their Free Dance was so intense that I was like "Y'all need to get a hotel suite!". They may have time since, it was just announced that Ivan, unfortunately WILL NOT BE going to the Pyongchang Winter Olympics (illegal substance perhaps?).
Gabrielle Papadakis and Guillaume Cizeron of France Free Skate to Piano Sonata N. 14 in C sharp minor, Op. 27, No 2. "Moonlight Sonata", Adagio Sostenuto, by Ludwig van Beethoven performed by Steve Anderson--I LOVE LOVE LOVE these costumes worn by the fabulous French Ice Dance pair of Papadakis and Cizeron. These costumes are subtle, beautiful, elegant, and PERFECT. Her softly flowing chiffon dress with Lycra bodysuit was sublime and fluttered with the dance like a gorgeous bird flying through the wind. And Guillaume...huney, where do I begin? That side cowl drape top was FIGURE SKATING COUTURE Fab; sexy, elegant, draped. I love that for the Free Dance, HIS costume was actually THE STAR.
Get a Room Kids: Papadakis and Cizeron of France during their Free Dance at the 2018 European Figure Skating Championships, Moscow Russia
