The Wife:

Sometimes it is absolutely impossible to care about what happens on ANTM, and last night was one of those nights. We’re happy to announce that, thanks to our next-door neighbors being friends with people, our cat Calliope has returned home to us. As far as we can tell, she’s alright, just starving. She’s lost a lot of weight, but she’s eating a ton here and, I think, is really grateful to be dry and near her people who will rub her little chinnies and snuggle with her.

But even if my cat hadn’t found her way back to me last night, it still would have been impossible to care about ANTM. Here’s the essence of the show in a nutshell: Lulu and Ashley complain about Bianca any time they are not individually in front of a camera. Now, I do think Bianca has a stank-ass attitude, and I also think she needs to get a new face in her photos that doesn’t look so damn haughty all the time. But Ashley and Lulu’s complaints extend far beyond Bianca’s bad behavior and seem to exist simply so they can have some thoughts in their heads at all. I’m glad sensibly insane Nicole, whom I adore, took the time to socialize with Bianca and have a “very real” conversation about the abusive relationship Bianca was in. I’d forgotten all about where Bianca’s hardness stemmed from, and while I don’t like her more for that reminder, I do like Ashley and Lulu a lot less. You know what’s less becoming on a model than short stature? Pettiness. Just stop it, ladies. Stop it.

The challenges of this episode were all about walking tall and looking tall, which Tyra justified as a necessary achievement for a petite model because if they want to compete, they need to be able to hold their own against gajillion-foot tall Glamazons. I mean, that’s how Kate Moss made it at only 5’7” right? So Miss J taught the girls how to walk tall and lean, and showed them that doing so was, in fact, so easy a 9 year old child named Diva Devanna could do it.

Even this child is bored with this episode.

He then showed them how to walk in tandem so they could do their challenge — a runway show where each petite girl was paired up with a model 5’10” or greater. Sure, a number of them walked tall, but in the same way that a tall Chihuahua walks next to a Great Dane. Most of them tried to be overconfident, but appeared foolish. Especially the really short girls because the models they were walking with had legs that went up to their boobs. Brittany the Mathematician won the challenge by being both overconfident and graceful, which was apparently the right formula for a good walk, according to Editor-in-Chief of Seventeen Magazine Anne Shoket. Brittany was awarded a prom advertorial in said magazine and got to bring two friends. To my delight, she chose Laura. Inexplicably, she also chose Kara.

The girls were then asked to parlay their tall-walking skills into tall-photographing skills. To me, this seems to be the most sensible challenge Top Model has ever created. Everyone in the industry wants to look tall, long and lean in a photo. Hell, even non-models want that. However, any sensibility of concept was thrown right out the window when I saw the set . . . which was a playground. Because short women are basically nine-year-old runway divas playing at being adults, women, models, etc. To be fair, some of the girls had warehouse equipment to pose with, or twin-sized mattresses or things of that ilk, but the fact that the playground was there was really bothersome. They wanted to put something there to scale it so that the girls posing in front of it would appear taller, but it could have been anything. It didn’t have to be playground equipment. I really wish Bankable Productions would stop infantilizing these tiny women.

• Erin: In blue high heels, Erin’s legs certainly looked tall and the judges oohed and aahed. Frankly, I don’t get it. I do not get Erin. At all. It’s a fine photo, but Erin is not special.
• Bianca: Finally, by asking her to think about Jesus, Mr. Jay got some sunshine to emanate from this girl’s generally sour puss. She did not, however, do a very good job of making herself look long, slightly hunched and sitting in the playground rings.
• Brittany: Homegirl straight-up failed this assignment, which lets me know that she is not into geometry. She lost her neck and shortened her legs and by trying to bring interesting angles to the shot — she just didn’t actually achieve any.
  

  On the bright side, this would be a good vampire look for when Bill finally turns Sookie Stackhouse.

• Sundai: The judges think she looks tall in this shot, stretching her arms up to the sky. I think she looks like she’s 5’3” and can’t reach the cookie jar.
• Laura: By placing herself on a warehouse flat truck and being its exact length, she shortened herself. To her credit, she looks great in green and her face, as always, was lovely in this shot.
• Jennifer: Her photo made her appear to be the tallest Asian woman in the world. And no one noticed her lazy eye! Double plus good!
• Nicole: Once again, Nicole is the best model in this house. In a shot that would make a great promo version for the ballet of The Princess and the Pea or a romantic interpretation of Once Upon a Mattress, Nicole stood a gajillion feet tall. Amazing. Amazing. Win.
  

  Why is this bitch not getting first photo every goddamn week?

• Lulu: On set, Mr. Jay called his Lulu’s worst set to date. Curved around the rainbow bars, she at least alluded to length, even if she was blank in the face because she’d wasted all of her emotions bitching about Bianca.
• Kara: She managed to achieve what Brittany couldn’t and both looked tall while creating angles.
• Rae: I think that, with her legs hanging of that palate, she looked tall, but the judges tell me my knowledge of angles is incorrect.
• Ashley: The judges liked her angles here, but she totally failed at smizing. DO NOT FAIL AT THE SMIZE.

In the end, Kara, Nicole. Erin, Sundai, Jennifer, Bianca, Laura, Ashley and Rae all continued on in the hopes of becoming America’s Next Top Model, leaving Lulu and Brittany in the bottom two. And because Brittany is another person Lulu complained about, that meant she got to stay while little lezzie Lulu got to go home to her girlfriend.

Know what’s more interesting than models complaining about stuff? A cat.

Stray thoughts:

• So, I guess we don’t have any “My Life as a Covergirl” commercials this year. I presume this is because Teyona did not test well on camera last year, which I’m pretty sure I wrote about. Extensively.
• The good news is that we’re still getting Nigel’s “Top Models in Action” spots, from which I was glad to learn that McKey has graced the pages of Vogue Knitting. Someone get me that back issue!

The Husband:

I don’t have much to say, but I do feel proud for simply looking at designer Kevan Hall and proclaiming that he had to be the brother of actor (Chicago Hope, Romeo + Juliet) and director (Gridlock’d) Vondie-Curtis Hall. I know my 90s actors, and people who look like them. I would not have guessed, though, that Kevan was straight, but therein lies my constant misconceptions about the world of fashion, about which my wife is far more knowledgeable.

I spent a good solid hour and a half searching the internet for a Black fashion designers that are as influencing as the people I have already written about.

I have to say that this was a challenging task. I did find some designers, but they were all problematic. This brings me to today’s blog post.

Enough explaining, let’s get started.

1. Byron Lars

I am extremely impressed with Byron because his designs are very chic and elegant. He only gives us subtle hints that he is trying to reach out to the urban market, but he doesn’t make that his platform like other designers we know ( won’t name any names).

Born on January 19, 1965 in Oakland, CA he was destined to design after making his own baggy pants in the tenth grade. In high school he made extra money by sewing prom dresses for friends in high school. He attended Brooks College in CA and studied fashion design before heading to FIT. He took an apprenticeship with Kevan Hall and freelanced for Ronaldus Shamask and Gary Gaytas. His strengths in pattern making began to surface quickly. WWD picked up on this young designer and named him Rockie of the year in 1991 after he launched his first collection in 1990. He was working out of his home and a strict budget before calls began to flow in from Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, and other high end department stores. Next thing he knew, Bloomingdales was giving him a boutique section in its Manhattan store. Sakes Fifth Avenue held an unconventional launch party for his line. For a young designer he was selling better than and outlasting his peers. His fall of 1992 line confirmed him again as a force to be watching in the fashion world.

Why You Don’t Know Him: Licensing his designs to a company called San Siro in 1995 was his mistake. This then made his clothes available in discount stores and outlets. It was the beginning of his first decline in sales since his success. Why go to Bloomingdales and buy his stuff for $230 when you can get it for $39 at an outlet? It was way too early for that.

He then had to quit his business and work for Mattel designing for Barbie. Soon after he gained some of his fame back and began his label called Beauty Mark Label which is a collection of tailored shirts for women. Now he is expanding to include knits, sportswear, dresses, and sexy shirts.

He is doing fairly well in his business now. Thought he was destined for bigger and better things before the licensing mistake, he still pulled himself back up and is trying to make a way for himself, even if he had to sacrifice his run with all the major departments stores for the little boutiques he is sold in now.

2. CD Greene

As a Chi-Town native he was intrigued with art from the very beginning. He was a Fine arts major at The Art Institutes of Chicago with a focus on painting, sculpture and graphic art. It was while he was in school when he was unable to find clothing that fit the way he wanted so he began to design.

His first collection was a Men’s contemporary line that was picked up by Marshall Fields in Chicago ( which is not replaced by Macy’s I believe). His success inspired him to move to NY and take up a entry level job with a women’s apparel designer. With the new job he learned skills that allows him to launch his own label CD Greene, which cloth a lot of Hollywood stars today.

Now he designs exclusively for private clients using each of their personalities to inspire his designs. He still sells some dresses for a couple of thousand of dollars.

Why You Don’t Know Him: To me, the idea that his website is barely functional, he has no collection past fall 07, and the idea that he has stayed in his comfort zone regardless of how much potential he had, kind of bothers me.

His dresses are beautiful and he has the potential to be awesome, but I can not understand why he is limiting himself so much. I do not think there is any excuse why he isn’t a household name like many of his peers who may not be as good as him.

3. Stephen Burrows

As the first African American fashion designer to achieve international acclaim, Stephen Burrows is an inspiration. Born on September 15, 1943 in Newark, NJ he attended Philadelphia Museum College of Art in 1961-1962. In 1969 he launched his ready to wear collection after graduating from FIT in 1966. He was given a boutique at Henri Bendel’s in 1970 called Stephen Burrow’s World. On his way to success he did not fail to bring along a few other notable names with him for the journey.

In 1971 and 1972 he was nominated for the Coty Award as the industry began to take notice. He was then asked to participate in a fashion show in 1973 that would be a collaboration between well known French and American designers. This is when Burrows finally won the Coty Award 3 times , 1983, 1974, and 1977. Quickly he left Henri Bendel to open his store on Seventh Avenue and licensed products like fragrances, sunglasses, and furs.

In 2002 he reopened his Stephen Burrow’s World Boutique in Bendel’s with the party of the season, as dubbed by Vogue. This was followed by a successful run in 2003 on Home Shopping Network. In 2006 he was give The Board of Directors Special Tribute from the CFDA.

He is most known for the “lettuce hems” which was his signature and remains widely used in addition to his bold use of color, structure and fabric weight.

Why you don’t know him: Honestly, there really isn’t any excuse for not knowing Stephen. However, his collections are not heavily publicised. I also believed that not having his own stores around the country to really put his brand in the eyes of the public was a mistake. He worked under different powers for most of his career, for example in Bendels and on HSN, and that took some of his edge off. I wouldn’t buy anything from Bendel’s if it was on HSN all watered down and discounted. I don’t know if it is the money or what that is driving these people to Walmart-ize their clothing before its time.

4. Gavin Douglas

Gavin Douglass ( which is also the name of a Scottish poet and church man) is a Birmingham born designer who takes his precious time when researching, sketching, and making designs.
He won an award in 2004 for Young Avant Garde Designer of the Year in London and in 2006 when he won first place in Fashion Fringe, a prestigious award in London. With his win he was able to get business, legal, and technical support and was able to show his collection at the London Fashion Week in March 2007.

He took a course called Prince’s Trust Business Start Up Course which helped him make a business plan for his label of urban couture, fashion for women who want to express themselves through their clothing.

He showed his debut collection in 2005 at the Caribbean Fashion Week and at the Barbados Fashion week in 2006. He took part in the Mayor of London’s Kulture2Couture show that featured the talents of designers. He show cased his second collection at the Paris Fashion Week in Oct. 2006 and later that year in Brooklyn Fashion Week.

Why you don’t know him: Simple, Press. I have NEVER EVER heard his name mentioned. His clothing is very original and was really ahead of his time. His Spring 08 line has things that I can see celebs and regular people trying to get their hands on today. But if we don’t know him, how do we support him?

I mean he doesn’t even have a website I can look at, his NY mag designer profile is skimp, and I googled,binged, msn searched, and yahoo searched him and only found 3 websites that told me nothing ! I hate to see him fade away forever because he has a lot of potential. Someone get him some PR STAT!

5. Ozwald Boateng

So there isn’t much background on this guy either but there is a website with some info. This gist is that in 1995 he opened his first store and in 1996 he won best male designer from the Trophees de la Mode, Paris. In 1997 he attended his first UK fashion show during London’s Fashion week and was invited to meet the Queen at Windsor Castle.

In 1999 he had the privilege of being the first designer to appear on Question Time with David Dimbleby. The next year he was honored with the British Fashion Award of Top Menswear Designer.

He got his American break when Will Smith work his bespoke to the Oscars and was named best dressed. That same year he won Best Male Designer by the Cologne Fashion Awards.

In 2003 all his efforts paid off when he was appointed by Givenchy as the Creative Director.

Why we don’t know him: It is because he did not keep his name out there for a long time after winning all his critical acclaim. He dove very quickly into the creative director position which hinders a person from their own creativity. While he is still making suits he does not have a store in the US and that is why his name is not heard. I still respect his work, but I really wish he would have become his own Givenchy and not gone to work for them.

6. Kevan Hall

Born in Detroit, Kevan wanted to be a designers from the age of Seven. After studying at Cass Technical High School in Detroit, there he won first place as “Designer of Tomorrow” which gave him a scholarship to FIDM. When he graduated from FIDM he won the Peacock Award for Outstanding Fashion Design.”

In 1982 he and his wife launched Kevan Hall Couture which is carried in fine department stored nation wide. He received the Great American Designer award from the NAACP in 1989. In 1992 he was honored by the Center of Performing Arts in Southern Cali. He won designer of the year from Gold Coast Fashion Awards in Chicago and in 2005 the “Style maker of the Year” award by Life & Style Mag.

What is really good about Hall is he rejects trends and fads to make a lasting look that comes to life when women wear his clothing.

Why we don’t know him: I have no idea. I think its another case of publicity. His shows are chic and elegant and better than a lot of his peers but he just doesn’t have a lot of hype surrounding him. I can’t understand why, I mean his runway looks are amazing so what is the deal? Though some of his clothing are if-y, that is no different from everyone else’s collection. Let’s support him because he is soo worth it.

*****************************************************************************************

So that is the end of my list. Now you can see the industry needs some diversity on the production end as well as in the displaying end ( models), but we are getting there. These designers need our support but they also need to help themselves. More press surrounding their clothing is a plus. You can still focus on the quality of your clothing while shouting off the rooftop that you have arrived, other wise how will we know who you are.

There are other designers like Tracy Reese who had a short run on her own until she ran into production problems then went to work for Magaschoni and made the company a lot of money. Peter Kea who had a lot of potential but stupidly signed over the rights to his name way too soon to his backers. He recently got back on his feet selling clothing in boutiques around the world.

A lot of the issues with these designers is the lack of help that they had getting up in the world. They didn’t have any financial helpers, they didn’t have rich people surrounding them, none of that. These designers are lacking in little areas that if fixed they would have gotten as big or even bigger as some of their peers.

What us rising designers can do is learn from their mistakes so that we can use them as guidelines as we tap into the high fashion world. Remember it’s not always about the money, it’s about making quality clothing and doing something you love, money will inevitably flow in when you work hard and do the best you can.

So to all my black designers, and struggling designers of all races, don’t give up and don’t sell out, just keep pushing to the top with your morals and talents to guide you.

Citations: 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Mikimoto Pearls At The Malibu Lumber Yard. Photo by JB Brookman © HW Design Inc.

 Mikimoto of Beverly Hills teamed up with renowned designer Kevan Hall to hold a unique and stunning event at the Malibu Lumber Yard this weekend.  A “pop-up” is a “here today, somewhere else tomorrow” event and had not been done before by a major jeweler. 

There was a powerful theme running through the room as the decadent pearls were in cases filled with wood, nails, tape and other construction materials.  Shoppers could come and enter the luxurious world of Mikimoto in a once in a lifetime setting.  This was Mikimoto’s second event in Malibu in the past two months and they were both a huge success.

Read about Mikimoto’s last Malibu event here.

Designer Kevan Hall was on hand on Saturday and Sunday, showcasing his elegant dresses.  He has designed gowns for an extensive number of Hollywood’s A-list.  Here is a video on some of his work.  We hope to be featuring him in an article in the next few weeks.  Stay tuned…

The Malibu Lumber Yard is a brand new retail center on the corner of Cross Creek Road and PCH.  It opened it’s doors on April 18.  Dark wood and giant, 11-foot, circular fish tanks (housing bright orange Garibaldi fish) are intertwined with open air and lounge furniture.  J Crew, James Perse, Kitson Men and Crumbs Cupcakes are just a few of the high-end shops.  The two-story open air complex includes 30,000 feet of retail space and was built with a pricetag of $25 million.  

www.mikimotoamerica.com

www.kevanhalldesigns.com

Designer Kevan Hall At The Malibu Lumber Yard Event. Photo by JB Brookman © HW Design Inc.

Mikimoto Beverly Hills Featured Their Pearls In a Unique Pop-Up In Malibu. Photo by JB Brookman © HW Design Inc.

Dates and Times have been confirmed for the Malibu Pop-Up Event by Mikimoto Beverly Hills and designer Kevan Hall.

Designer Kevan Hall and Mikimoto Beverly Hills: Malibu Pop-Up Event. Photo by JB Brookman © HW Design Inc.

Mikimoto Confirms Pop-Up Event June 18-21 In Malibu. Photo by JB Brookman © HW Design Inc.

Dates:  June 18-21, 2009 (Thursday thru Sunday)

Times:  Noon to 6:00 Thursday & Friday, 11:00 to 6:00 Saturday & Sunday

Note:  Kevan Hall will be making a personal appearance Sat & Sun Afternoon from 2 – 5

More information on Mikimoto and this event, here and here.

www.kevanhalldesigns.com
www.mikimotoamerica.com

Since today’s tax day and I have yet to file my taxes, I decided to procrastinate by looking at lavish celebrity weddings from the past year. (Hey, it’s much more fun than filling out tax forms…and I have until midnight to file an extension.) So, here are the five most interesting dresses from the past year in chronological order. Well, at least the most interesting ones that I could find pictures of. And I’m talking decent pictures where you can actually see the dress, not super grainy photos taken with a telephoto lens from 300 feet away by a paparazzo hiding in a bush.

April 20, 2008
Actress Tia Mowry wed actor Cory Hardrict in an ivory Kevan Hall empire tulle gown. The floral garland of the one-shouldered dress as well as the beautiful draping at the bust are what make Tia’s choice unique.

July 13, 2008
Actress Jenny Mollen married Jason Biggs for a second time in a strapless chiffon Monique Lhuillier gown that had an asymmetrically draped bodice and a handkerchief hem. I love the draping on the gown, but I’m not really sure I like the lower part of the dress. Although it does look good on her.

August 16, 2008
Actress Portia de Rossi donned a pale pink grownup tutu custom-designed by Zac Posen when she married comedienne Ellen DeGeneres (who also wore Zac Posen). The backless dress had a ballerina feel, but the blousy halter-top gave the dress an edge rather than seeming princessy.

November 29, 2008
Actress Roselyn Sanchez wed actor Eric Winter in an unwieldy Angel Sanchez creation which reminded me of Melania Trump’s $100,000 John Galliano dress. Apparently, like Melania, Roselyn had problems walking in her dress as well. It’s a good thing she had a couple of other Angel Sanchez dresses and a tuxedo suit by Xiomara Ferreira to change into throughout the day. I’m not crazy about this dress, but it is definitely interesting.

January 10, 2009
Singer Fergie (aka Sarah Ferguson) married actor Josh Duhamel wearing a tulle Dolce & Gabbana mermaid gown. The fitted, draped bodice accentuated Fergie’s famous curves and the black and white florets added interest to the bottom of the dress. The gown had a 40-foot train, which I think is a bit much. The dress would have been perfect without the added fabric…it kind of looks like she stepped on something while in the ladies room.

Of them all, Tia Mowry’s choice is my favorite, but I tend to like simple, elegant dresses. Which one do you like best? Was there a celebrity dress from the past year that I should have included?

Happily Ever After,

{Tia Mowry and Chris Hardrict picture; Tia Mowry picture; Jenny Mollen and Jason Biggs picture; Monique Lhuillier picture; Portia de Rossi and Ellen DeGeneres picture; Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi picture; Roselyn Sanchez pictures; Fergie pictures}

Ech. It’s been pretty gorgeous weather lately – hovering in the mid-50s, generally sunny with a light breeze. Today it took a drastic turn for the worse, veering from drizzly and icky (in the morning, for my road test no less!) to full-on pelting rain, driving winds, and snow/sleet. This, of course, hit as B and I were running a 5-mile loop… that was fun.

Cool foto (teehee):

From Adeline R’s blog.

Feeling decadent and fruity? Why not sport a dress with real live fruit?

Via Fashiontribes.com. Great colour… but real cranberries? How long will that last? (It’s being auctioned off to benefit The Children’s Institute; bidding ends April 6, 2009). Oh, it’s made by Kevan Hall.

And, comme toujours, some street style:

Hmm, not much. Oh well.
Random: I’ve been listening to Def Leppard like no other lately. Do it.

Monday is fast approaching… does anyone have a time machine I could borrow?

~ r

Designer Kevan Hall showed an interesting piece at his fashion show earlier this week.

The designer put together a dress made of 2,000 real cranberries.

Apparently, he made it to coincide with the launch of a new Dial® Antioxidant Body Wash with Cranberry & Antioxidant Pearls.

The dress, which Molly Sims wore to the fashion show,  is being auctioned on ClothesOffOurBack.org right now.

It’ll benefit children’s charities including The Children’s Institute.

I know some of y’all are wondering but the cranberries aren’t edible.

The folks at Dial confirm that the “food stylists” dried the berries at a temperature of 100ºF for 15 hours before putting them on the dress.

BEVERY HILLS, Calif. – The bad economy and no official Mercedes-Benz L.A. Fashion Week couldn’t get Kevan Hall down on Thursday, as 700 women gathered to gawk at his sleek, spy heroine-inspired fall collection.

It wasn’t your average L.A. fashion crowd: no quirky outfits, denim or drunken hipsters. The audience at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel consisted of actresses and powerful ladies-who-lunch, including a stunning 75-year-old Joan Collins.

Former first lady Nancy Reagan, the luncheon’s honorary chairwoman, was not in attendance, but the collection showcased sheaths worthy of first lady Michelle Obama, along with structured dresses in tweed and wool and Hall’s classic red carpet creations in earthy shades of ruby, bronze and brown.

“I was inspired by the spy, heroines Emma Peel and Honey West, all those fabulous girls that influenced American fashion,” Hall said. “There’s a restrained elegance, with the economy.”

Well constructed trench coats, belted pencil skirts and a gorgeous black wool A-line dress with zippers snaking up the sides came first, blended in with cheetah jersey dresses accented with leather or fur.

In the audience, actress Virginia Madsen wore a Hall creation in snug-fitting leopard print, and model-actress Molly Sims donned a bright cranberry colored one-shouldered dress custom-designed by Hall for the event and decorated with real, freeze-dried cranberries to promote a new cranberry body wash by Dial.

Waists on the runway came cinched into feminine silhouettes, with silk chiffon spilling out into brown or purple trains in a series of award show-ready gowns. An understated yet lovely red multi-patterned wrap dress in wool had a retro ’50s fit and full skirt.

Other standouts included a cowl-necked metallic bronze sheath made out of matelasse quilted fabric, and two back-to-back blood red gowns: one in silk chiffon with a one-shouldered sash, and one strapless with an asymmetrical, geometric neckline.

Hall is also debuting a more day-centric, non couture line for Paul Stanley this year, with pieces “at a contemporary price point, for the working wealthy,” Hall said.

The former Halston lead designer had been a mainstay at Mercedes-Benz L.A. Fashion Week, which ended in October after event organizer IMG and Smashbox Studios split from their five-year partnership.

This season, alternate shows and collaborations have popped up all over Los Angeles.

The events range from funky Petro Zillia’s noir trunk show to Gen Art and arts collective BOXeight’s joint kickoff event for emerging talent to Downtown Los Angeles Fashion Week’s “An Evening of 20th Century Glamour” benefiting the Museum of Contemporary Art, featuring stylized photos of Louis Verdad’s newest collection.

“I think L.A. Fashion Week will continue,” said Hall, smiling at the luncheon. “But this is a different kind of vibe. It’s a great setting, beautiful people, shoppers.”

The swanky event benefited anti-violence nonprofit the Children’s Institute.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com

À la recherche du web pour les promos Ralph Lauren et les autres des vêtements de marque? Vetementsdemarques.fr est le bon endroit pour vous. Ils offrent des rabais sur Ralph Lauren et les autres les vêtements de designers.

Resident pop culture correspondent Dottie Narcotic weighs in on the yays, nays and no ways of the shallowest most magical night of the year. Take it away, Ms. Narcotic!

—

I never really watch the Academy Awards; I’m not a big movie person so I never really know what the fuss is about. But the red carpet is just the extension of Fashion Week I need. There were a few changes, though. In these cold economic times, the Oscars seemed visibly minimalist in the jewelry department. Instead, some stars opted to use more fabric to make up for bare necks and arms, with loads of tulle, organza and crinoline volumizing all kinds of styles.

And while some stars got risky with their duds, most of the attendees played it ultra-safe and ended up being too blah. Of the more outstanding designs, I’ve divided them into four categories: Hooray, Just Okay, No Way and Qu’est-ce Que C’est?!– the good, the bad, the ugly and the ridiculous. The wackier gowns weren’t as edgy as past red carpet mishaps, but when matched against the style winners of the night? They get two thumbs down.

Hooray! These are the ladies who got it right: fantastic hair, perfect accessories and duds to die for. While others phoned it in or effed it up, they brought their fashion A-game against the blah and blegh.

Taraji P. Henson (in Alberta Ferretti) was easily the best-dressed of the night. I’m still not sure what color her dress was– I initially thought it was yellow, the lady on tv said white, another columnist said nude and I think I’m finally settling on either beige or buff. Regardless, the variant textures and ruffles of this gown were perfect for her shape. And her mom and grandma looked great, too, so hot fashion sense might be genetic.

Winner Penelope Cruz wasn’t my pick for Supporting Actress, but of the many belted bandeau princess dresses of the night, her vintage Balmain was my favorite. The front detailing was classic but not in a dowdy, aging way.

And Evan Rachel Wood was a pleasant surprise for me in Elie Saab Haute Couture, finally free of Dita von Teese’s influence via ex Marilyn Manson. She looked gorgeous, but well beyond her 21 years. Guess living with that guy’ll take a few years off your life.

(Honorable mentions: Vanessa Hudgens in “modified” Marchesa, Sarah Jessica Parker in Dior Couture, and Viola Davis in Reem Acra– all very glam!)

No Way! It’s unfortunate to see some of the major players in this game looking like they got dressed in the dark at night in a citywide blackout. Even with months in advance, they chose to wear the following. They should be arrested for ocular assault.

Thank god Queen Latifah’s red carpet dress was custom-made by Georges Chakra, because now she can’t ever wear it again and neither can anyone else. The asymmetrical seaming on the lower waist is a terrible idea for someone whose smallest point is clearly five inches above that. And I’ll be glad when mashed-into-your-armpit sideboob stops being trendy, because it doesn’t look classy or comfortable. And lay off the bronzer, girl! You look like the statue himself.

But she still wasn’t the worst of the worst; not with Melissa Leo in town. I can understand brunettes in chocolate brown, but that’s a different color than the dead houseplant brown she had on. Not only that, the bad ’80s bridesmaid cut was unflattering to her hips. The bride makes you wear stuff like that for a reason, so leave it in the back of your closet when you’re nominated for Best Actress.

But nasty as that dress was, she got trumped, big time. I know it’s kind of chic to make fun of Beyonce, so I’ll try to be as gentle as possible: that dress was hideous. The cut isn’t so bad, and it was one of many strapless mermaid dresses of the night. But I don’t care how much black side paneling you use to shape yourself, big gold flowers all over your butt will never be hot in the streets. She looked like an urn.

Exhibit A

Exhibit B

But arguably the worst of the entire night: adapted screenplay nominee Robin Swicord. She lost in her award round, and she lost in the “try not to leave the house wearing a housecoat” round, too. This dress is so gross that it doesn’t even qualify as a dress. It’s loungewear. Get her to put on some bunny slippers and you won’t even know the difference.

(Dishonorable!!! Mentions: Tilda Swinson in a Lanvin ensemble that looked better on the model, and Robin Swicord again for good measure! That dress was fugly!)

Just Okay No home runs here, but they didn’t strike out, either. Each of these dresses probably could have been fixed by something small, and then they would have been in contention for the gold. For now, silver will have to do.

As long as Freida Pinto (in John Galliano) had her left arm covered, she was flawless. I loved the asymmetrical neckline and the ruffles at the bottom, but that unforgiving lace sleeve was so matronly and farty. She should’ve run into the bathroom while Hugh Jackman and Beyonce were doing their musical medley and ripped that sleeve off; it would’ve been a vast improvement.

And I saw a couple pictures where Virginia Madsen looked like somebody’s drunk mom at a wedding, but after seeing her Kevan Hall dress in motion, I’m less critical. The architectural top is cute and red is sassy on mature women, but I come from the old school and think a slit on a dress or skirt shouldn’t go higher than the knee. Save the mid-thigh exposure for lingerie and the beach.

On another note, I kind of liked Marion Cotillard in this Dior Couture gown. It’s a little punk rock for the Oscars and I like the normally verboten combo of black and blue, but it’s still not pushed to its limits. Plus, it’s a little baggy on top; I don’t know if there were tailoring issues or what but it definitely could have been taken in an inch or two. Two steps from a prom dress, but the Oscars are basically prom for famous people, so whatever.

(Honorable Mentions, I guess: Natalie Portman in Rodarte, Anne Hathaway in Armani Prive and probably some other people, too)

Qu’est-ce que c’est?! The French translates to “What is that?!”, and that’s really all you can say about the following. Sure, nothing was as bizarre as the swan dress days of yore, but these were standouts for a… more complicated reason.

Tim Gunn– of all people!– told Amy Adams (in Carolina Herrera) that she looked more incredible than anyone else. I’m calling BS on that one. She looks good in wine, even as a redhead, but that necklace is like wads of ABC gum. It looks like the undersides of the tables in your local junior high cafeteria.

Speaking of gossipy kids, Miley Cyrus looked like the lone frosty evergreen in Los Angeles. The dress itself, by Zuhair Murad, resembles Dior’s Junon gown a little too much. But the neckline and cummerbund bow are flattering and tasteful for a teen, even if the sequins make it a little shouty for someone who wasn’t even nominated for anything. And I can’t decide whether I love or hate the soft gold metallic clutch with the cooler tone of the dress but she can accessorize with whatever she likes, as long as it doesn’t involve her gross impressions of Asian people.

And Kate Winslet (in YSL) looks like she’s wearing two dresses put together, but I really wish she would have picked one or the other. Seperately, each side of her is classic, understated and sweet, but together it’s like she couldn’t decide which to wear so she ripped them apart and patched them together in a fit of rage twenty minutes before the ceremony. But she probably felt that rage and confusion after seeing Robin’s Swicord’s outfit. I can empathize.

But one of the weirder moments was figuring out what was going on with Alicia Keys. It didn’t look so bad in motion, but all that gathered fabric on the chest made one boob look twice as large as the other. Plus, the waist draping looks like she hastily stuffed in the already scrunchy top, and all of this is bad even without me mentioning the ever-awful mid-thigh slit.

(Honorable? Mentions: Heidi Klum being puzzling in RM by Roland Mouret, Nicole Kidman resembling the Chicken Lady from Kids In The Hall, and Whoopi Goldberg’s leopard-print performance art piece)

And so begins a new season of films I probably won’t be watching, starring people who hopefully will know how to dress better than they did tonight. Hey, Hollywood– step it up! You’ve got more than enough money and connections to make the biggest night in town a style spectacle.

~~By InsightAnalytical-GRL

After a week of screwed up email by Comcast’s new “SmartZone” setup, I’ve caught up with a few things from the crew at IA…but first:

TOM DASCHLE, whom Obama was “standing by” has withdrawn!   Well, I’m so glad my post from way back was on track with Daschle, his wife and his “Mansion-gate”…See The Scanner-Politics 11/20/08 (CHANGE?? Daschle at HHS, His Wife and Lobbying; Organic Consumers Org. So Ticked at the Thought of Vilsack at Agriculture That Their Petition is Already Going Strong; Froma Harrop on “Palin’s Next Career Move” Will Raise Your Blood Pressure) (Updated 1X) for some of the stuff I dug up from S. Dakota back then…

***

From our intrepid Chicago Correspondent Leslie… here’s this little tidbit from the Chicago Sun-Times in case you missed it…says Leslie: “Because we’re SO post-racial…”

Michelle Obama under fire for not wearing black designer

January 26, 2009

BY KARA SPAK Staff Reporter / kspak@suntimes.com

The usually celebrated sartorial splendor of First Lady Michelle Obama is coming under fire by a former runway model upset that Obama didn’t wear an inaugural design by a black fashion designer.

Amnau Eele, co-founder of the Black Artists Association, told fashion industry publication Women’s Wear Daily she plans to “file a formal appeal” with Michelle Obama’s office about the lack of a black designer.

“It’s fine and good if you want to be all ‘Kumbaya’ and ‘We are the World’ by representing all different countries,” Eele is quoted as saying at wwd.com, the magazine’s Web site. “But if you are going to have Isabel Toledo do the inauguration dress, and Jason Wu do the evening gown, why not have Kevan Hall, B Michael, Stephen Burrows or any of the other black designers do something, too?”

MORE

Boo hoo!  But, hey, Michelle has brought her Chicago chef to the White House, what more do you want???  An appeal?? HA!!!!

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Kenosha Marge sends along a few “Canadian Billboards” courtesy of her friend Donna which aptly describe the “state of the nation”–OUR nation!

Enjoy the day!

Tomorrow kenosha Marge returns to the blog!

Dear Michelle Obama,

Thanks for reading my blog.

I know there is much for you to consider in this transition period. I am going to stay out of the puppy and school debates — I think you should do whatever is best for your children, as long as it involves a public school or shelter/rescue dog.

But I would like to make one little recommendation for the Inaugural ball. Have you considered Kevan Hall, an L.A.-based designer, who also happens to be African American and a really cool guy?

Please wear this dress.

You will look lovely.

love,

your friend and new neighbor in DC

ps I really like how your family wears coordinating colors for major events. It is very cute. I am looking forward to some adorable hats for the Inauguration.

pps That was really funny, the way you talked to President-elect Barack Obama about taking a walk or getting a dog (5 min. into vid).

ppps I’ll walk the dog whenever you like, if Malia is too busy.

LA Fashion Week Weak | We all know that the city of Los Angeles has a laid back approach to fashion… but come on now, The Mercedes Benz Fashion Week | Los Angeles is supposedly showing the best of LA. The shows in LA were very dissapointing. Of course, LA will NEVER be NYC… but some Angeleno’s actually have style, it was certainly not reflected in the SS 09 shows. However there were a few…and I mean a few bright spots.

kevan hall

kevan hall

samora

samora

Delicate feathers were floating all over the Fall 2008 runways.  Wear them discreetly in your hair and on an accessary or wear them in a fuller frock, such as a skirt or minidress.  The key is to keep it elegant.  Natural tones work best.

Style Watch Magazine’s October issue quoted Kevan Hall, fashion designer, saying, “Feathers create volume. Avoid wearing them where you want to look slimmest.”

FYI: When wearing this feather forward trend, stay away from bright colors and say “no” to boas.

So this year I watched the Emmys not just the before & after shows…lol But I gotta admit my favorite part is still the before Red Carpet arrival of the stars on E! TV. Anyone else with me on that?

Well in case you didn’t get a chance to watch the Before Emmy show or the Actual Emmys show here is my review of my favorite part of the show

TREND RECAP
I have to say that last year there was a bit more diversity in dreses. This year there was alot of BEADING and neutrals. By neutrals I mean black, white, white with black and beige. I disliked all the ruffles on gowns this year. I saw them on the Fall 08 runway as well but I like how they were executed on the Runway better. They were less frilly and girly and more structured and fresh looking.

The variety this year came in more women than usual wearing lengths other than LONG. And the Men got into variety this year too. More Men than usual wore colored ties and non-black jackets. Guess the men have overcome their color blindness

My Favorite Dresses on the Ladies for the Emmys 2008:

The Dresses were so fabulous this year that I can’t pick just one favorite :/ I know that is a cop out but it is true. I loved loved these dresses:

1) Nicollette Sheridan’s sleek strapless gown by Angel Sanchez in purple. I LOVED the folds and pleats in the dark purple fabric. She was like a bright explination point at the end of the E! TV show saying to the stars this is how you do color bitches…lol

2) Olivia Wilde’s beige satin and chiffon Reem Acra gown with sleeves made of several rows of beads. It was flowy and romantic. She really was a shimmering vision.

3) Christina Applegate’s light blue one shouldered gold jacquard Reem Acra gown. Her dress reminded me of an Indian sari in the materials and the silhouette. I loved her hair and her jewelry as well. Her Earrings were divine. Her whole look was divine and not just for a woman recovering from breast cancer. Some Good Morning America equated her look at the Emmys with Grace Kelly and I have to agree with them.

4) My last favorite gown is one that was not discussed much in anyone’s favorite dress selection in the fashion reviews today. It is Kate Walsh’s black tiered beaded gown by Zuhair Murad. She looked like a tall elegant Art Deco statue that was ccompleted by her deco accessories.

Each of these gown were ALL in a tie for my affections. If I could have ANY of these dresses, I would be in heaven.

Coming in SECOND place was:

Sandra Oh’s intricate black lace Oscar de la Renta dress. I have always liked her choices. She has a unique style that she always brings to the Red Carpet. I adored the slightly messy upswept hair, simple jewlery & makeup that she chose to supplement this dress.

Thirdly I liked Vanessa Williams’ black and white floral Kevan Hall gown with subtle ruching and jeweled asymmetrical strap. This strap and the subtle pink color that occurred on this dress, just below the knee to the hem of the dress, both added interest to the dress and made it unique in it’s use of embellishment, pattern and color. Her simple hair, jewelry and makeup were a frame that enhance the artwork of her dress.

My Favorite Non-Long Dresses on the Ladies for the Emmys 2008:

My favorite in this category was America Ferrera’s vintage strapless ruched bubbled mid-calf hem dress (That was a mouthful. Say that five times fast). It was just FABULOUS!! The dress was enhanced by her Veronica Lake wavy hair, Black Lace pumps and Fred Leighton Jewelry. There was NOTHING about this look I didn’t like.

Secondly I liked Lisa Edelstein’s white strapless dress with black embroidery on the skirt and black lace underskirt by Reem Acra (with all the Emmys 2008 gowns he designed do you think he had time to SLEEP!!). It was classic and crisp. It looked like something Lucille Ball would have worn out with Ricky…lol But she kept it in the 21st century with new bobbed haircut and black platform pumps.

SPECIAL MENTION

Special mention should be given to Brooke Shields’ Badgley Mischka fuchsia strapless beaded bodice gown with long ruffle train, Tina Fey eggplant David Miester mermaid dress that looked like she couldn’t breath but what is a little air when you can look that beautiful and Christina Hendricks’ dark green grecian gown with hair and shoes to match (which I feel got little notice by fashion reviewers).

Yikes that was a lot….but I’ll be back with My favorite Men and my not so favorite looks.

*Please note that most pictures were taken from Teamsugar and Getty. Thanks guys.

Ebay store: a-girls-gotta-eat

Technorati Tags: emmys, 2008, Emmys 2008, Nicollette Sheridan, Olivia Wilde, Christina Applegate, Kate Walsh, Sandra Oh, Vanessa Williams, Reem Acra, Kevan Hall, America Ferrera, Lisa Edelstein, black, Zuhair Murad, Angel Sanchez, Tina Fey, Christina Hendricks, Brooke Shields, beading, ruffles, neutrals

Ha avuto luogo il 5 Maggio il ”2008 Costume Institute Gala” ed il tema è stato “Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy”. Ecco i nostri In e Out della serata.

In total black

OUT : Mary J. (in Michael Kors) Bellissimo l’abito, ma che orrore quei capelli e quel tatuaggio , Fergie (in Calvin Klein) OUT il look fa troppo strega delle fiabe ed il taglio del vestitto la strizza troppo (da notare l’effetto “pelle in eccesso”) e Thandie Newton (in CHANEL), ll’avremmo preferita in qualcosa di più semplice.

In argento

IN : Karolina Kurkova, Anna Wintour (in CHANEL by Karl Lagerfeld), e Hillary Duff (in Elie Saab)

In un tripudio di colori

IN E OUT : Katie Holmes (in Armani) ci chiediamo dove sia finita l’eleganza discreta di Katie, colore osceno per il vestito e per le scarpe, siamo daccordo con i contrasti ma in questa mise la bell’attrice sembra più somigliare ai tanti errori di stile di Rihanna. Molly Sims, assolutamente bellissimo l’abito in stile dea greca e Kimora Lee Simmons (in Kevan Hall) il tema della serata era forse carnevale?

Voi che ne dite? Vogliamo i vostri In e Out.

Fonte : Hipcandy
Autore : Sonia Grispo

I never thought I would have ties to the fashion world, but I guess I am four degrees from the red carpet! (and what a very large four degrees they are, based on my own lack of fashion.) My mother-in-law is friends with Kevan Hall, a famous designer in L.A. (They met at a young adults church group back in the day — who among our Kairos pals will be famous  one day? discuss.)

Kevan designed her wedding dress, back when he was just starting out, and was so kind as to make her lovely mother-of- the-groom dresses last year, even though he is famous now. How famous is he, you ask? As reported in yesterday’s New York Times, he also designed the dress that Ruby Dee, nominee for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, wore last night at the Oscars. The ruby red number is pictured above. Go Kevan!