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January 27, 2017

RUNWAY REPORT.....Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week: Jean Paul Gaultier Couture Spring 2017

Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017

WHAT: Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017.

Jean Paul Gaultier

THEMES: 1940s-meets-1970s-meets-1980s (follow that!) inspired collection; turbans, sharp suits; flowery dresses; Disco; intricate hand-sewn applique; One-shoulder fab; Strong shoulders; Sexy Gaultier Couture.

Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017

Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017

Click below to watch FULL video of Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017:

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Published on January 27, 2017 10:39

RUNWAY REPORT.....Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week: Guo Pei Couture Spring 2017

Guo Pei Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017

WHAT: Guo Pei Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017. Guo Pei--famous for that coat worn by Rihanna at the Met Gala 2015 honoring the "China: Through The Looking Glass" Exhibition, as well as her infamous One Thousand and Two Arabian Nights Collection showed her latest Haute Couture collection in Paris at the same location Marie Antoinette was imprisoned before being sent to the guillotine. Supermodel Carmen Dell'Orefice was the "surprise" Finale.

THEME/INSPIRATION: The St. Gallen Cathedral (above) in St. Gallen Switzerland. Religious Princesses in Couture. Lots of gold, opulent applique, embroidery, ballgowns, incredible museum-quality designs (the collection, supposedly, took two years to make). The Lady Gaga of yesteryear would be proud.

Guo Pei Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017

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Published on January 27, 2017 10:23

January 26, 2017

RUNWAY REPORT.....Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week: Elie Saab Couture Spring 2017

Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017

WHAT: Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017.

THEMES: Middle East Divas; Sheikha Couture; Mini Turbans; Sailing Boats; Ballgowns; Jeweled Sequins Galore! No Daywear...All Red Carpet Glam. The only question is how many of these gowns will we see at the Academy Awards next month?! A LOT!!

Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017

Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017

DETAILS:

Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017

Click here to watch full video of Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017:

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Published on January 26, 2017 10:39

January 25, 2017

RUNWAY REPORT.....Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week: Maison Margiela Spring 2017

Maison Margiela Spring/Summer 2017

WHAT: Maison Margiela Spring/Summer 2017. John Galliano has been Creative Director for the fashion house since 2014 and has since created a unique and original "Maison Margiela" stamp on the Couture world with his flamboyantly deconstructed designs. Unfinished beauty has always been a theme of Galliano's--from his own designs to his time at the House of Dior and at Maison Margiela, it really is coming to wondrous fruition.

John Galliano--Creative Director at Maison Margiela

THE LOOK: Raw edges throughout, purposely unfinished clothes..."Artisanal Couture". Bolivian-looking hats, unfinished words embroidered into the clothes; adding "filters" to the clothes (as in netting, laces, semi-see-through yarns) and yet, also taking them away at the same time.

Maison Margiela Spring/Summer 2017

Maison Margiela Spring/Summer 2017

DETAILS:

Maison Margiela Spring/Summer 2017

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Published on January 25, 2017 14:45

RUNWAY REPORT.....Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week: Chanel Couture Spring 2017

Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017

WHAT: Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017. Karl Lagerfeld said that he envisioned a "stripped down" Chanel, his designs and models resembling fashion sketches. There was no over-the-top staging; no huge golden lion; no supermarket, just Art Deco-like mirrors resembling the Chanel salons and STUNNING designs, impeccably sewn with INCREDIBLE sequin embroidery...all the hallmarks of Chanel Haute Couture. For the finale, Lily-Rose Depp wore a pink ballgown as the Bride:

Karl Lagerfeld with Lily-Rose Depp--Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017

TRENDS: Fitted 80's-esque silhouettes, pouf sleeves, FEATHERS!, slim gowns.

COLORS: Pink, mint green, silver, light peach, lavender, yellow.

Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017

Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017

DETAILS:

Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017

Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017

Click below to watch FULL video of Chanel Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017:

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Published on January 25, 2017 14:22

RUNWAY REPORT.....Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week: Giambattista Valli Spring 2017

Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017

WHAT: Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017. The Ballgown is BACK! (well, it never really left Giambattista Valli but...). The theme of the collection, according to Valli was a traveler (albeit a VERY WEALTHY one!), who packed her couture for a Holiday and after unpacking, all her clothes were wrinkled and creased. He used variations of creased garments in details but there were lots of flowers, sequins and hundreds--if not thousands--of yards of tulle and silk mousseline... What else would a Haute Couture Girl want from a $100,000 dress?

TRENDS: Ballgowns, of course! Sequin applique, mini dresses with back tulle overskirts.

COLORS: White, pink, chartreuse, yellow, tomato red

Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017

Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017

Click below to watch video of the Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017:

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Published on January 25, 2017 10:46

January 24, 2017

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss Universe 2016 National Auction Fashion Show: Top 15 Best Gowns

Is She My No. 1?...Miss Universe Indonesia in a John John Ditching-designed gown at the Miss Universe National Gift Auction Fashion Show

As part of this year's Miss Universe pre-Finals events occurring in Manila Philippines, last night was the Miss Universe National Gift Auction. Traditionally, all the contestants bring gifts from their home countries/islands/territories and they are auctioned off for a charity. According to this report, the proceeds of the auction last night tallied up to around PHP 850,000 (about $17,000) which all will go to PAFPI/ Positive Action Philippines Incorporated that targets the alleviation of HIV and AIDS in the country. This year at the Auction, which occurred at the Conrad Manila Hotel, all of the 86 Miss Universe contestants were also featured in a special runway show highlighting creations from top Filipino designers. There were lots of fabulous designs but...

Here are my Top 15 Best Gowns from No. 15 to 1. Let me know what you guys think and which one was YOUR favorite?

The Shimmering Ladies: Miss Universe Albania (L) and Miss Universe Brazil (R) in gowns designed by Filipino designers--65th Miss Universe National Gift Auction Fashion Show

15. Miss Universe Albania Lindita Idrizi: Lindita wore this shimmering royal blue gown from designer Albert Fontanilla. The dress featured an asymmetrical neckline and UBER high side slit skirt. It was 2 minutes from looking like an 80s Vegas shimmy dance number costume but...I still think it was fun and fab! And leave it to Miss Albania and her frizzy 'fro to work it!

Score: 8.30

14. Miss Universe Philippines Maxine Medina: Maxine and her gown--designed by Odelon Simpao--ended up at No. 14. The gown was sequined and had applique detail in the front torso and sleeves, as well as nude illusion. She looked great but the gown design was a tad too 1990's Pageant but...the gown (and Maxine) still deserved to be in the Top 15 in my eyes.

Score: 8.40

13. Miss Universe Colombia Andrea Tovar: Andrea wore this white satin gown from Edgar San Diego. She looked quite impacting and I thought it was a perfect choice to wear white, especially against her skin color.

Score: 8.90

12. Miss Universe Nigeria Unoaku Anyadike: Unoaku wore this design from designer Dita Sandico. The gown was made from banana peels. The design was simple enough--a white sheath with one shoulder printed detail but it made it into my Top 15 Favorites because of it's beautiful simplicity and yet, very strong design effect!

Score: 8.99

11. Miss Universe Netherlands Zoey Ivory: Zoey wore this royal blue-and-ivory gown from designer Michael Leyva. The sequined applique looked to have taken inspiration from the Chinese Ming vases. I thought it was dramatic, pageant right and loved the DRAMA of the chiffon back falls. If only her hair style would have matched the fabulousness of this dress. Her hair was giving "Flashdance" while her gown: Met Gala.

Score: 9.00

10. Miss Universe Brazil Raissa Santana: Raissa wore a royal blue sequined gown from Filipino designer Cherry Veric. She was all things SEXY-licious in this very high side slit gown that gave many on the internet a reason to compare it to Gisele Bundchen's infamous shimmering gown at the Rio Olympics.

Score: 9.15

9. Miss Universe Aruba Charlene Leslie: Charele wore this royal blue colored gown from Andrea Tetangco. The gown featured velvet fabrication along with nude illusion and coral-like applique. I liked the asymmetrical design up top and I didn't mind the super high "Pageant Betty" side slit. I also give her MAJOR PROPS for wearing proper ankle strap heels (as opposed to those tacky platform "Stripper" pumps they all seem to love!)

Score: 9.20

8. Miss Universe Venezuela Mariam Habach: Mariam wore this sexy red gown from designer Ave Bacuo. While the gown was quite "fashion safe" and nothing too extraordinary, Mariam looked beautiful and the gown fit to PERFECTION. I loved the Gaultier-like bust cups and lovely caviar beaded coral-like applique.

Score: 9.25

7. Miss Universe Thailand Chalita Suansane: Chalita wore this royal blue tiered gown from designer Richie Bondoc. I thought she looked quite fabulous--from head to toe. I liked the design of the gown especially the gathered bustier and satin bias binding finishing the hem. If there was any complaint, I just wished the bustier fit better; it was too off of her body.

Score: 9.30

6. Miss Slovak Republic Zuzana Kolarova: Zuzana wore this red and gold gown from designer Rajo Laurel. I thought that she looked model fab! I loved the simplicity of the silhouette and elegant style. The horizontal gold detail was exquisite as well. Overall: So chic!

Score: 9.35

5. Miss Universe Turkey Tansu Sila Cakir: Tansu ended up in my Top Five because of this fabulous red creation from designer Rocky Gathercole. I LOVED the cocktail length and the UBER flared silhouette--very Dior Haute Couture! This was a tour de force in FASHION huney! The details, sequin embroidery, scalloped hem, that bustier top, the lining...the center parted hairstyle! Miss Universe Turkey--and this dress--were GIVING ME!!!

Score: 9.45

4. Miss Universe Argentina Estefania Bernal: Estefania wore this red gown form Filipino designer Amir Sali. I loved the exaggerated volants and architectural nature of this dress. This was Ruffle Chic Perfection!

Score: 9.40

3. Miss Universe Indonesia Kezia Warouw: Kezia wore this red gown from designer John John Ditching. The gown featured an off-the-shoulder design and cut-outs in nude iridescent organza with gold trim. The gown fit her beautifully and she looked like a perfect beauty queen DIVA. If there was any concern, it would be the almost see-through crotch area...that might have been a major OOPSIE. But, I will overlook it. Maybe it is just the shading and photo lighting...I hope.

Score: 9.50

2. Miss Universe Russia Yuliana Korolkova: Yuliana wore this blue gown from designer Patty Ang. The dress consisted of a column style with dramatic off-the-shoulder cape. It was modern, chic and very Red Carpet.

Score: 9.55

1. Miss Universe Japan Sari Nakazawa: The gorgeous Sari looked like a Royal Crown Princess in this Ricci Lizaso-designed gown. I thought this was probably the BEST gown of the night for its clean, chic elegance and dramatic one shoulder back cascade drape detail. The sequin applique was delicate and not overwhelming. And the way she is pointing her feet in the right side of this two-fer photo...At-a-Girl!

Score: 9.75

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Published on January 24, 2017 22:25

RUNWAY REPORT.....Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week: Dior Couture Spring/Summer 2017

Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017

WHAT: Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017. First Dior Couture collection from new Creative Direction Maria Grazia Chiuri.

MY TAKE: The show--when viewed via the YouTube collection video (at end of this blog) was quite hurried and honestly, not impacting. The models walked so fast that there was no way of appreciating the incredible workmanship of the garments--mostly all done by hand spending thousands of hours of work, each gown costing in the $100,000 range...but none of that came across through the videos quick cuts. It was pretty sad, at least for this Haute Couture fashion aficionado.

In terms of the collection and designs, they were certainly gorgeous (only after seeing the individual photos) and plenty of gowns we will definitely see at the upcoming Academy Awards, but if there was a theme (besides butterflies, dragonflies in a Couture Moss Garden) it was "Don't Rock the Dior Boat"; same old/same old. No shockers, no real change of direction in terms of the Dior of old. If Raf Simons was looking to modernize the House, Chiuri is looking to go back to the Dior Era of late 40s, with lots of references to the Dior codes like the Bar Suit of 1947 and famed Junon gown from 1949. You could see hints of the angelic style that Chiuri brought to Valentino with such success, and I presume that we will see more and more of that style as she continues forward with the House of Dior.

TRENDS: Ballgowns, nipped-in waists, caped jackets, wide culottes

COLORS: Pinks, lilacs, gold, black

Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017 and Dior "Bar" suit from Spring/Summer 1947

Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017

Shoe Couture: Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017

Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017

Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017 and Dior "Junon" Ballgown Autumn/Winter 1949

Click below to watch FULL Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2017 Show:

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Published on January 24, 2017 15:27

RUNWAY REPORT.....Paris Menswear Fashion Week: Thom Browne Fall 2017

Thom Browne Menswear Fall 2017

WHAT: Thom Browne Menswear Fall 2017.

THEME: The Gray Suit. Boring. Traditional. But not when designer Thom Browne gets to it! For his Gray Suit Tour de Force Fall 2017 Collection, Thom Browne built the same gray suit 15 times in three different ways...and used thousands and thousands self covered buttons to stunning and beautiful effect!

Thom Browne Menswear Fall 2017

Thom Browne Menswear Fall 2017

Click below to watch edited video of Thom Browne menswear Fall 2017 Show:

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Published on January 24, 2017 15:07

ICE STYLE.....2017 US Figure Skating Championships Costumes: Pairs and Ice Dance

Costumed Lift: Pairs Figure Skaters at the 2017 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships, Kansas City Missouri

In my last "Ice Style" Blog Post, I discussed the costumes of the LADIES and MEN of the 2017 Prudential U.S. Figure Skating Championships, and now it's time to recap the PAIRS and ICE DANCE costumes!

Pairs-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ashley Cain and Timothy LeDuc Short Program to I Put a Spell on You by Jay Hawkins, performed by Annie Lennox: This is the first time that I have discussed this Pair and I have to say, this was a FABULOUS "Ice Style" introduction! I really liked their all black costumes. They were directional, modern and sleek...and right for the Annie Lennox soundtrack. I was especially drawn to her outfit and the unusual sequin criss-cross band detail. And in terms of Timothy...well, he had me at perfectly coiffed beard!

Ashley Cain and Timothy LeDuc Free Skate to The Prayer performed by Andrea Boccelli, Celine Dion: For their Free Skate, they went with a black-and-white costume color story. She looked angelic pretty yet veered into slightly "Pageant & Prom" territory. And Timothy's white top intrigued me just for the rather "unusual" detail in the front--I just wasn't sure about the nude illusion panel that was too dark for him and the odd placement of the sequined bands on the v-neck.

Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Nathan Bartholomay Short Program to Canadian Tenors Medley: These costumes were GORGEOUS! Sublime colors--the royal blue-to-black ombre...and the sequin work was quite nice as well. I especially liked how her asymmetrical neckline was somewhat reproduced (in a more "manly" way) on the Nathan's top. Whoever designed--and created these: A++

Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Nathan Bartholomay Free Skate to Selections from Firebird by Igor Stravinsky: Once you take a look at her costumed jumpsuit, you are not surprised that they were skating to "Firebird". Her look is very on-point with "Firebird", especially with the multicolored sequin work on the top, which I liked. Nathan's look is a bit too Cirque du Soleil-meets-Star Trek: The Musical (I'm wishing/praying there is such a thing!). Anyhow...it's a bit 80's and those flange details on the shoulders...yikes!

Marissa Castelli and Mervin Tran Short Program to Fallin' by Alicia Keys: For their Short Program to Alicia keys, Castelli and Tran wore these violet blue and black costumes which I really liked! I would put these on par with the costumes that Stellato and Bartholomay wore for their SP. I loved the color, the jeweled sequin detail and asymmetrical necklines...on both! I thought it was great how her sequins were bolder while his, more subtle.

Marissa Castelli and Mervin Tran Free Skate to Journey Medley: I have positive things to say about these looks on Castelli and Tran. I think her bright red sequined look was very early 80's Pageant Fab and his reflected the "Journey" era with the red-and-black color blocking detail. With that said, part of me wished they both went "Journey" concert T-shirt 80's Rocker Cool look, since somehow, I don't really think of red sequined stretch chiffon when I think of...Journey.

Tarah Kayne and Danny O'Shea Short Program to Take Me to Church by Hozier: Pretty and well-done is all I can say with these all black costumes worn by Kayne and O'Shea. I liked her black sheer with sequins look with a studded waistband; it was very "Elie Saab"-like. I also liked her gathered iridescent tulle skirt (PS: I cannot believe I just typed those words!).

Haven Denney and Brandon Frazier Short Program to Don Juan est mort (from "Don Juan" musical) by Felix Gray: I liked these costumes worn by Denney and Frazier. They were on-point with the "Don Juan" music; very Spain-inspired with the red and black colors as well as the gold applique detail. But...they were a teeny-tiny too-mucchey in terms of how much of that gold applique was there--especially on him. They were two minutes from looking a little "Cruise Ship Stars on Ice Dinner Theater".

Haven Denney and Brandon Frazier Free Skate to Somewhere in Time (soundtrack) by John Barry: These costumes were quite beautiful, especially Haven's. I loved her asymmetrical neckline and the royal blue color. The silver crystal sequin work was also quite spectacular on her costume. I also loved her sequined jeweled cuffs! When it comes to Brandon, however, I'm not sure why he just looks odd with anything too embroidered or too sequin-y; He just looks costume-awkward.

Ice Dance-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani Short Dance to Blues: That's Life performed by Frank Sinatra, Hip Hop: I never thought I'd live to see the day Maia Shibutani would do a halter sequined bodysuit and black skin-tight pants. But I did and...I love it! These costumes were great looks for both Maia and Alex (he looks kind of sexy-licious in his "I've Had Too Many Martinis" unbuttoned tuxedo look). So, yes, I liked these costumes. In case you're keeping score with Shibutani Costume Changes...They wore a version of this look at...

Skate America

Cup of China

Maia Shibutani and Alex Shibutani USA Free Dance to Evolution: Mirror In Mirror by Anne Akiko Meyers, Akira Eguchi, Evolution: Anyone Like You (Club Mix) by Digitize: Her deep royal blue shirred and sequined dress was very pretty. I loved the top's detail. His was modern and sleek. Overall, I think these looks worked... nothing earth shattering, but beautiful.

Madison Hubbell and Zac Donohue Short Dance to Blues: Feeling Good performed by Nina Simone, Hip Hop Medley: I have to admit that I wasn't a fan of these costumes worn by Hubbell and Donohue for their Short Dance. I LOVED their Free Dance ones but these, were a a bit disappointing. I just felt that hers stretch black lace with cropped tank top--and--blue athletic stripes look was a bit tacky; like a look a background dancer or cheerleader would be forced to wear at the Soul Train Awards or basketball game.

Madison Chock and Evan Bates Free Dance to Under Pressure by David Bowie, Freddie Mercury: I LOVED these costumes worn by Chock and Bates for their Free Dance to David Bowie and Freddie Mercury. The costumes were new (see photos below of what they wore before) and I really liked the change. They were chic, modern yet retro and still reflective of the music. Her purple costume with asymmetrical fishtail hemline and blue-and-orange sequin detail was vibrant, fun and HOT! I also liked his delicately sequined knit top that (if you were paying attention) also featured a slight asymmetrical hemline (like hers).

Here's what they had worn before during the same Free Dance:

Which costumes do you like best? the new ones or the black ones above?

Until next time...

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Published on January 24, 2017 00:12

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