A Little More Couture

Let’s talk about Georges.

Unfinished, but Fabulous

Georges Hobeika Fall 2010 Couture

Easily the most likeable, the most wearable, and therefore the most boring piece in Georges Hobeika’s fascinating and often inspiring haute couture collection. Not that this would qualify as boring under normal circumstances; it’s still high fashion and gorgeous, but it’s certainly nothing new. The tissue-paper draped blouse has been done in countless ways (but I give Hobeika credit for making it more beautiful than most). And the skirt is gorgeous and gives off a fabulous Middle Eastern feel (Hobeika is, after all, Lebanese). But take a look at the next few photos and you’ll see how much more he is capable of.

Georges Hobeika Fall 2010 Couture

I want to punch that model in the face for walking with such an unattractive hunch – you’re a fucking runway model, for God’s sake, it’s your JOB to stand up straight, keep your shoulders back, and live on a diet of cigarettes and cocaine. But that ruffled sunflower piece is simply majestic. I just wish the dress either ended there, because it feels like Hobeika was so caught up in the impeccable creation of the top half of the garment that he simply gave up on the bottom. The skirt just sort of hangs there lifelessly, making an otherwise complex and beautiful gown look sloppy and unfinished. Unfortunately, this was a mistake he repeated.

Georges Hobeika Fall 2010 Couture

Same exact concept, same exact mistake. Another beautiful incarnation of a unique design element, but the look is nearly ruined by the wrinkled mess south of her hips. I hate the way it drapes around the front of her legs like sweatpants, and the train seems like an afterthought. But I do applaud the red lips and nails; they certainly pop against that soft silver.

Georges Hobeika Fall 2010 Couture

This is what I love to see on the runway (though I think the front of the skirt isn’t laying as well as it could). I love this sort of gown because it still feels wearable – it feels like a real cocktail dress, not some cracked-out avant-garde version of what might once have been considered clothing. But it’s so obviously new and fresh, the beading is gorgeous, the colors are fabulous, and those shoes are to die for.

Georges Hobeika Fall 2010 Couture

Couture in a nutshell, this is by far my favorite piece in the collection. The bottom feels like strawberry shortcake, or an artist’s studio in the Village; the shape of the skirt feels like Victorian England; and the ruffles are astounding in shape and volume. As close to perfect as couture gets.

Stunning but Derivative

George Chakra Fall 2010 Couture

Like everything else in George Chakra’s collection, this dress is impeccably made, red-carpet ready, stunning to look at, and a total has-been. This dress has been seen on Hollywood’s most glamorous as long as Hollywood has existed. We all know that this is a recipe that works – but without a modern twist (and the gloves are not enough), this is just old news.

George Chakra Fall 2010 Couture

I understand that fashion is, by its very nature, derivative. Designers are inspired by what came before them. The fashion of the 30s becomes the fashion of the 50s becomes the fashion of the 80s, trends repeat, old tricks are revived and reused. But I think viewers of haute couture collections should still be allowed to expect some originality, some innovation. I know I’m being unreasonably hard on Chakra; all designers have pieces whose influences are easily recognizable. In every collection I’ve posted about on this blog, there’s been looks inspired by, or nearly copied from, other designers. But I’m giving Chakra such a hard time because 1) there are just so many copycat dresses and 2) this is Paris haute couture, and dammit, we deserve better.

George Chakra Fall 2010 Couture

Didn’t we see that giant collar on basically every episode of the 4th season of Project Runway? I’m pretty sure that collar is the go-to piece for every designer trying to be couture or avant-garde. And that’s acceptable when you’re in a design competition reality show, but not so much in an haute couture collection in Paris. (But, I concede, I absolutely love those colors together.)

George Chakra Fall 2010 Couture

One of the more original looks of the collection, though between the white and champagne frilliness, the red bow, and the blue shoes, I can’t see anyone wearing this outside the holiday season. You can still sense a sort of Marchesa-meets-McQueen feel to it, but it seems more original and inspired than the others. But that may be because this model is basically wearing a crinoline taco.

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Stay tuned for tonight’s Diva’s Choice! Another piece of utter delicious fashion is on its way.

Posted by democracydiva

Paris Fall 2010 Couture Fashion Week

It’s couture time, bitches. Let’s go collection by collection, since only a handful of couture designers showed at Paris Fashion Week, and even less are worth discussing.

Underwhelming: Jean Paul Gaultier

Dita Von Teese in Jean Paul Gaultier Fall 2010 Couture

This was by far my favorite look in Jean Paul Gaultier’s collection, although it’s certainly not perfect. But to me, it was one of the only pieces in his collection that felt daring and original. The first six looks were boring, and the rest of the collection tries to be dark and futuristic, but doesn’t really achieve much in the way of high fashion. Dita Von Teese making a guest appearance in the show was a nice touch, and only a burlesque star (or a diehard Rocky Horror fan) would have a reason to wear this skeleton-corset, but beyond that, the show was largely a disappointment.

Jean Paul Gaultier Fall 2010 Couture

This look at least felt like couture to me. A complex and fresh design, with no accessory overlooked. Let’s not forget that wearability is not the primary concern of couture designers – that’s why these aren’t Ready-To-Wear. They’re meant for the runway, more like art than clothing. And in that respect, I think this is a stunning dress. It has a subtle nod to flappers of the 1920s, but it feels modern and original. And the fishnets are a perfect touch.

Jean Paul Gaultier Fall 2010 Couture

Couture is about vision. It’s about intricacy and impeccable design and clothes that look like they took months to make, because they did. I think that was wear Gaultier failed – he focused on the gimmicks and the showmanship instead of the actual design elements. It’s all great to have burlesque stars and violins and sky-high, gravity-defying hairstyles, but so many of the actual designs were just haphazard draping. And of course there is a fine art to draping, but nothing in the way Gaultier used draping felt new or beautiful or unique. Instead it felt messy, repetitive, and kind of boring.

Hit or Miss: Valentino

Many of the individual looks in Valentino’s collection were exquisite, like the bow-adorned cocktail dress and matching full-length gloves pictured above. A modern twist on the petticoats of yore, I fell in love with this dress and a few others in the collection.

Valentino Fall 2010 Couture

Another beautiful dress, but with a nearly identical concept: Put a lot of bows and a simple twist on a normal dress. What struck me as bothersome about the collection over all is how similar so many of the looks were. Of course cohesion is important in a collection, but Valentino showed the same outfit in two different colors; two nearly identical outfits, just with different hemlines; and the same outfit in two different fabrics (but the same colors). That was too much for me to take – the effect of a simple but fabulous black dress is not enhanced by seeing the white version of it ten seconds later. It just felt like a waste of fabric, at least in a couture show. It’s about customization and each piece being different from the next, not a gown in several colors that’s marketable or ready-to-wear.

Valentino Fall 2010 Couture

It’s similar to the first Valentino dress, but not so similar that it feels derivative, like so many of the looks did. Instead, it’s a couture bridal gown fit for a queen. The bows on the shoes and the hands of the gloves are exquisite, and bring an element of softness to the architectural tiers of the gown. I’m glad bows are in, and I love these three dresses more than words, but Valentino’s collection suffered from a lack of variety and diversity.

Chanel and the Art of Influence

My favorite look of the Chanel collection. Perfect handiwork. An almost obsessive attention to detail. And those Wonder Woman-inspired wrist cuffs are exquisite. It looks as expensive as I’m sure it is, but I love the rough hemline, bringing a bit of grittiness into an angelic dress.

Chanel Fall 2010 Couture

But the last few collections of Chanel and other designers such as Marc Jacobs have been plagued by what I like to call The Mormon Skirt Dilemma. I have no idea why the runway is full of skirts that stop at this awkward place, but I think they’re unflattering, unnatural, and throw off the proportions of the entire outfit. The Mormon Skirt Dilemma, plus the use of heavy tweet, gave most of the models the appearance of little girls wearing Twilight-inspired versions of their grandmothers’ clothes. In fact, much of the collection felt heavy and dark, with the occasional burst of lightness like the first Chanel outfit shown above. Not that heavy and dark is necessarily bad, but Chanel went for the same effect in the Fall 2010 RTW collection, so it does get a bit wearing after awhile.

Chanel Fall 2010 Couture

I love the way the beadwork over the lace feels like armor. It was certainly a collection for a haute couture Joan of Arc woman. But that lace skirt is just breathtaking, and the boots with it are completely badass. Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have legs for days to pull off a look like that. But I would have loved to see more looks that stepped outside the tweed-suits-and-wool-coats box of Chanel.

Armani Privé: It’s All About the Fit

I think the Armani Privé collection felt more like a nearly complete RTW collection than anything haute couture, but this suit immediately leaped out at me as a favorite. The shimmery white tights and the silk ivory blouse are soft, sweet, and sexy. And we know that anything studded, or anything that looks studded, is super-trendy right now, as evidenced by Dakota Fanning’s fierce shoes. And the fit of this suit is just incredible.

Armani Privé Fall 2010 Couture

But what, I ask you, is couture about this? Where is the detail, the handiwork, the originality? This is a badly pressed sheet, poorly wrapped around a starving girl. This has no element of design, let alone couture. And is it just me, or has this model spent a little too much time in the pool? Those ends look green with chlorine.

Armani Privé Fall 2010 Couture

And zoom! Back to fabulous. The perfect coat. Simple and elegant, but with fantastic design aspects. That huge button clasp, the asymmetry, the curves of the hem, and of course the draping over her left shoulder take this coat to new heights.

Armani Privé Fall 2010 Couture

Fit, fit, fit, Armani! What is going on in the bust of this dress? We’re mere moments away from seeing her right nipple. The dress looks like it’s inches away from her chest and the sides don’t look even. I’m just not sure how something like this actually made it onto the runway. I want to run up to her with a cushion full of pins, yank that dress up three inches, and pin it into place.

Honorable Mention: Elie Saab

Elie Saab’s collection was a wonderful combination of the intrigue of couture and the wearability of red-carpet fashion. I have no least favorite looks, but just one negative comment towards the collection as a whole: it did seem a bit disjointed. The individual looks seemed detached from each other; they were similar to the looks before or after, but just a few models later, you couldn’t believe you were at the same show. Cohesion is a difficult thing to achieve, and I think that was Elie Saab’s main weakness in this otherwise strong collection.

Elie Saab Fall 2010 Couture

Now that is a print. It looks tie-dyed, paint-splattered, it moves like liquid, and it feels like fire. The skirt is designed in a way that makes it flow fabulously, I love the rouching on the bodice, and the single-sleeve style, which I usually dislike, is beautiful.

Elie Saab Fall 2010 Couture

And this is couture. It looks like it took millions of painstaking hours of sewing, beading, and draping to accomplish such a complex and divine gown. This is what I hope Kate Middleton will wear to marry Prince William. A gown fit for a princess.

The Winner: Christian Dior

Christian Dior Fall 2010 Couture

I beg of you – don’t take my word on this one. See for yourself how over-the-top, inspiring, and beautiful Christian Dior’s collection is. It may be a fall collection, but it’s obvious that spring has sprung for Christian Dior. Like this neon dress that struts the line between yellow and green, brightness is in nearly every look. This dress feels fresh and unique, but it’s also something that you could see easily adapted for the red carpet. (Though only Lady Gaga would wear the head piece.)

Christian Dior Fall 2010 Couture

The only thing I dislike about these entire collection is those damn rubber gloves. I’ve seen them on runways before, and whenever they’re in orange or yellow, it just feels like the woman is strutting down the runway to wash some dishes or operate on someone. But I love, love, love the beaded bodice and voluminous skirt – not unique in any structural way, but glamorous and exquisite regardless.

Christian Dior Fall 2010 Couture

You have to love Dior for the way the avant-garde pops into these looks. The way those flowers cascade down the skirt, which would be gorgeous even without them, just strikes me as incredibly romantic. And the colors of those flowers! This is the one time I like the use of the gloves, because that purple color is just another glorious surprise. That iced robin’s-egg-blue color of the sweater is phenomenal, as is the collar. I’m not sure what’s happening with that paper bag belt/sash/bow, but it keeps me guessing, and ultimately leaves me wanting more.

Christian Dior Fall 2010 Couture

Sold.

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Check the Democracy Diva later tonight for today’s Diva’s Choice – one piece of overpriced fabulousness every day!

Posted by democracydiva

The Diva’s Guide to the Emmys

The nominations for the 62nd Emmy Awards are out, and as per usual, I’ve got something to say about it. I’ll stick to the categories that I actually either a) care about or b) know something about, so basically it’s only the comedy categories. My predictions (though not necessarily always the choices that I personally think should win) are in bold.

Outstanding Costumes for a Series

Glee, “The Power of Madonna”
The Good Wife, “Crash”
Mad Men, “Souvenier”
30 Rock, “I Do Do”
The Tudors, “Episode #408”

Now, I’m glad Glee‘s costumers were recognized in this category, but if any Glee episode should be nominated for best costumes, I think it should be “Theatricality,” the Lady Gaga episode. But I could see how the old white dudes who presumably run the Emmys would be more likely to understand the impact of Madonna costumes rather than Lady Gaga. And the Madonna episode was hyped for weeks before it premiered; the Glee cast did countless photo shoots and cover stories for magazines in their Madonna regalia. Either way, it’s more of a win for the legacy of Madonna’s fashion sensibility than anything else, but I think it’s certainly deserving of a win.

But honorable mention goes to Mad Men, which was nominated for this category last year, as was The Tudors, though both lost to Pushing Daisies. Tom and Lorenzo, my favorite bloggers over at Project Rungay, have been doing a series of posts on Mad Men fashion, and they constantly remind me of how immensely talented that show’s costumers are. They are impeccably talented at capturing not only the period, but the individual characters and the style that is believable for each of them.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper, The Big Bang Theory
Larry David as Himself, Curb Your Enthusiasm
Matthew Morrison as Will Schuester, Glee
Tony Shalhoub as Adrian Monk, Monk
Steve Carell as Michael Scott, The Office
Alec Baldwin as Jack Donaghy, 30 Rock

Now this is a competitive category! Tony Shalhoub, Jim Parsons, Steve Carell, and Alec Baldwin were all nominated last year, but Baldwin took home the award for his always hilarious portrayal of Jack Donaghy in 2009 and 2008. Shalhoub and Carell were also nominees in 2008. Let’s praise the television gods for not nominating Charlie Sheen again, since he is the most overpaid, overpraised, over-nominated actor of the 21st century. Shalhoub’s been in the spotlight this year for performing in Lend Me a Tenor on Broadway, but I’m sure the Emmys will not give a shit about that.

Steve Carell has certainly made a stir recently, announcing that he will not be returning for any future seasons of The Office. Will that make the Emmys award him while they still can, or punish him for leaving his hit show? Of course Matt Morrison is a great option, but I actually think his dramatic abilities are much more impressive than his comedic acting; Glee is a comedy, so he’s in this category, but I think he’d have a much more competitive edge in a dramatic category. But at the end of the day, I can’t imagine the Emmys favorite Alec Baldwin in a third consecutive win, especially since it’s glaringly obvious that 30 Rock took a turn for the worse this year, with always-a-nominee, never-a-winner Carell about to leave the show. (It’s true that Baldwin is probably out after 2012, but that’s a year later than Carell, and he hasn’t been doing 30 Rock for nearly as long as Carell has been doing The Office.) This is certainly not the year that Carell deserves the award the most, but come on – when have these awards ever really been about who deserves them?

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

Lea Michele as Rachel Berry, Glee
Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Christine Campbell, The New Adventures of Old Christine
Edie Falco as Jackie Peyton, Nurse Jackie
Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope, Parks and Recreation
Tina Fey as Liz Lemon, 30 Rock
Toni Collette as Tara Gregson, The United States of Tara

Louis-Dreyfus and Fey were both nominated in 2007, 2008, and 2009. Collette won last year, but my main girl Liz Lemon took home the prize in 2008. I love that Tina’s fellow SNL alum Amy Poehler is also being recognized, because she is certainly one of the funniest women alive. Edie Falco is an unstoppably good actress, but I think this year belongs to Lea Michele. She may not be as funny as some (or even any) of her fellow nominees, but the category is for outstanding lead actress in a comedy, not outstanding comedienne. And you can’t deny that Lea Michele’s powerhouse voice and strong acting make her a very serious contender for this enviable award. I know many hate my girl Lea for her over-emoting, but I don’t consider it over-the-top. I think it’s merely Broadway trained. She emotes like anyone who has spent their entire life on the Broadway stage would act, and I think it actually works quite well for her character.

Poehler’s great, but her show is not. And this season of 30 Rock has been much more about Liz being forlorn and unloveable instead of funny. And everybody loves Toni Collette, but not that many people actually watch her show. I think our little diva is going to win herself an Emmy.

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Chris Colfer as Kurt Hummel, Glee
Neil Patrick Harris as Barney Stinson, How I Met Your Mother
Jesse Tyler Ferguson as Mitchell, Modern Family
Eric Stonestreet as Cameron Tucker, Modern Family
Ty Burrell as Phil Dunphy, Modern Family
Jon Cryer as Alan Harper, Two and a Half Men

With the exception of Duckie, this might be the most amazing list of nominees I’ve ever seen. And let’s not ignore the fact that three of these men were nominated for their portrayal of gay characters, which is impressive. More importantly, three of these men themselves are openly gay: Colfer, NPH, and Ferguson. (Stonestreet, though he plays Ferguson’s husband on Modern Family, is actually straight.) I think this is quite a milestone for the LGBT community in the world of television, and it should be noted and celebrated. But let me get off my political soapbox and talk about these men as actors instead of as people.

NPH was nominated in 2007, 2008, and 2009, but has yet to actually take home the award, as the Emmys still insist on awarding the actors from the worst sitcom on television, Two and a Half Men. He’s at the height of his career, hosting every awards show, making guest appearances everywhere, and generally being beloved by everyone. And of course, this is not his only acting nomination this year, but we’ll get to that later.

All the men from Modern Family are certainly deserving of this award; in my opinion, they are the three funniest characters on the show (with the possible exception of Manny). But I think they’re going to split the vote, and their show has only had one season so far, so the Emmys might wait to see more from them next year.

Chris Colfer is a god amongst men, and I would weep with joy to see him win this award. But NPH has paid his dues, and I think the Emmys are finally going to give him the recognition he deserves.

Outstanding Support Actress in a Comedy Series

Jane Lynch as Sue Sylvester, Glee
Julie Bowen as Claire Dunphy, Modern Family
Sofia Vergara as Gloria Delgado-Pritchett, Modern Family
Kristen Wiig, Saturday Night Live
Jane Krakowski as Jenna Maroney, 30 Rock
Holland Taylor as Evelyn Harper, Two and a Half Men

I think this one is in the bag, folks. Glee has undoubtedly had its ups and downs regarding storylines, writing, and individual performances, but one thing has remained perfect throughout the entire first season: Sue Sylvester. Jane Lynch’s comedic timing is superb, but she’s no one-note. Her dramatic and emotional scenes are incredibly moving and inspiring. Jane Krakowski and Kristen Wiig were both nominated last year, but lost to the incomparable Kristen Chenoweth. The women from Modern Family are great, and Kristen Wiig is a goddess, but nobody can touch Jane Lynch. This Emmy has had her name on it for months.

Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy

Mike O’Malley as Burt Hummel, Glee, “Wheels”
Neil Patrick Harris as Bryan Ryan, Glee, “Dream On”
Fred Willard as Frank Dunphy, Modern Family, “Travels with Scout”
Eli Wallach as Bernard Zimberg, Nurse Jackie, “Chicken Soup”
Jon Hamm as Dr. Drew Baird, 30 Rock, “Emmanuelle Goes to Dinosaur Land”
Will Arnett as Devin Banks, 30 Rock, “Into the Crevasse”

This award seems destined for Mike O’Malley and his beautiful, moving, and hilarious portrayal of Chris Colfer’s father on Glee. NPH was a phenomenal guest star, but O’Malley continues to inspire and awe audiences as the most supportive father in television history. Bryan Ryan just can’t compare. And Fred Willard plays the same character in everything – is it just me, or does he just talk loud, and that’s it? Jon Hamm is of course wonderful, but again, this has been a weak season for 30 Rock (although Will Arnett’s character never ceases to make me laugh). Nobody can come close to the performance that Burt Hummel gave us this year. Also, Mike O’Malley was in that Sandra Bullock rehab movie 28 Days, which is one of my all-time favorite guilty pleasure movies. Just FYI. He was rich, did coke, and hit on Sandra Bullock.

Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy

Christine Baranski as Beverly Hofstadter, The Big Bang Theory, “The Maternal Congruence”
Kathryn Joosten as Karen McCluskey, Desperate Housewives, “The Chase”
Kristen Chenoweth as April Rhodes, Glee, “The Rhodes Not Taken”
Tina Fey as Host, Saturday Night Live
Betty White as Host, Saturday Night Live
Elaine Stritch as Colleen Donaghy, 30 Rock, “The Moms”
Jane Lynch as Dr. Linda Freeman, Two and a Half Men, “818-JKLPUZO”

So Jane Lynch and NPH were both nominated for two acting Emmys on two different shows! I think nobody could be more deserving of such recognition, but let’s be honest. This has been the year of Betty White. I think she’s the most beloved woman in America, and her SNL episode was huge. It’s impressive for anyone to bring that many viewers to SNL, which, with the exception of the 2008 election and most of Kristen Wiig’s characters, hasn’t been too good in the last few years. But it’s even more impressive than an 88-year-old woman is bringing huge amounts of young viewers back to SNL. And let’s applaud the Emmys for some diversity in this category: In addition to Betty, we’ve got a modern Broadway diva, an old-school Broadway diva, some unknown names, and one of television’s funniest writer/actresses. Kudos. But just a question – did anyone know Desperate Housewives is still on the air? Seriously, I had no idea.

Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series

Nurse Jackie, “Pilot”
30 Rock, “I Do Do”
Glee, “Pilot”
Glee, “Wheels”
Modern Family, “Pilot”

“Wheels” is undoubtedly one of the best episodes of Glee. The seriousness of the episode was incredible: the heartbreakingly sweet relationship between Sue Sylvester and her sister, who has Down syndrome; New Directions’ rallying around Artie and his disability; Kurt sacrificing his shot at his dream solo to save his father from harassment and embarrassment. But the other drama-heavy episodes of Glee, “Wheels” also had truly amazing musical numbers. Theatre geeks squealed with delight over the “Defying Gravity” duet between Kurt and Rachel. Artie got his first big solo, “Dancing with Myself,” which gave him even more emotional depth while showing off his acting and singing chops. And the choir performed “Proud Mary” (on wheelchairs, no less), probably the best performance of the entire season. Need I say more?

Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series

Glee, “Pilot”
Modern Family, “Pilot”
The Office, “Niagara”
30 Rock, “Anna Howard Shaw Day”
30 Rock, “Lee Marvin vs. Derek Jeter”

Glee has a lot of wonderful attributes. Consistently good writing is not one of them. I know this is recognizing the writing of a particular episode, and not the series overall, but I still feel that this nomination is not quite deserving. Then again, the writing on 30 Rock and The Office were incredibly weak this year, so it’s not as if the competition was particularly fierce. But last year 30 Rock comprised four of the five nominees for this category, and took home the award. In 2008, it got two writing nominations and won, and in 2007 it also got two nominations, but lost out to The Office. So clearly 30 Rock is on a winning streak. But I think Modern Family must, and should, win this award. The pilot was near-perfect and the writing in that and every other episode is wickedly sharp and funny. I laughed out loud the entire pilot, and the entire season, which is much more than I can say for 30 Rock or The Office.

Outstanding Comedy Series

Curb Your Enthusiasm
Glee
Modern Family
Nurse Jackie
The Office
30 Rock

30 Rock has swept this category the last three consecutive years, but with 19 nominations and more press than they know what to do with, I can’t see how the Emmys would deny Glee. Honestly, I think the win should go to Modern Family, which had an amazing and consistently funny and sweet first season featuring the funniest pilot episode of any show I’ve ever seen. But if the award is going to a new show, it’ll be Glee for sure.

Random Noms and Notes

How I Met Your Mother‘s “Girls vs. Suits” episode was nominated for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for “Nothing Suits Me Like a Suit,” the hilarious song-and-dance routine featuring the incomparable Neil Patrick Harris in all his glory. A deserving nod, and though I hope it wins, I won’t put it in my predictions because I know nothing about the rest of the nominees.
Nick News with Linda Ellerbee was nominated for Outstanding Children’s Nonfiction Program! I can’t believe she’s still doing Nick News – that’s beyond awesome. It’s nice to know some things haven’t changed.
Glee‘s “Hairography” and “The Power of Madonna” were both nominated for Hairstyling Emmys! Definitely deserving.

Posted by democracydiva

Midsummer Red Carpet Recap

Forgive me, poodles. I just moved to a new place and just got internet today, so this Diva has not had much time for blogging. But it’s Fashion Week in gay Par-ee, so we’ve got some red carpet looks to catch up on before we hit the big time. Let’s dive in.

Repeat Winner: Prodigy Edition

Dakota Fanning in Elie Saab

Head-to-toe perfection, as per usual. I particularly love the natural makeup; too many young starlets, even if they dress well, tend to age themselves ten years with heavy makeup, but this styling lets Dakota’s youth and beauty shine. The dress is obviously to die for, but I think we need a close-up on those shoes:

Dakota Fanning in Christian Louboutin shoes

Those sexy studded shoes just jumped to the top of my MUST HAVE list. (By “must have,” I of course mean “could not dream of affording.”) This outfit is the textbook definition of gritty-meets-pretty – the girl’s hair, skin, and dress are practically glowing with angelic beauty, but she throws on her studded Loubs and suddenly it’s a whole different ball game. (That’s the first and last sports reference you’ll find on this blog, kittens.)

Fugly Beyond Her Years

Annalynne McCord in Nicole Miller

I’d like you all to guess how old this woman is. If I was in a bad mood, I’d probably guess 45; at my most forgiving, I’d say mid-thirties.

SHE’S TWENTY-TWO. This bitch is MY age and already looks like she’s been chasing her pack-a-day habit with a bottle of gin every night for twenty years. Let’s forget the fact that she broke one of the most important Diva Commandments: Thou shalt wear your actual dress size, not the dress size you aim to be. Other bloggers and fashion experts have wisely said, “Wear a size bigger, and you’ll look a size smaller.” Certainly, this unforgivingly tight dress supports that claim. If only it supported McCord’s breasts.

Fun fact: I wikipedia-ed McCord (to find out her age), and my boyfriend Nate looked at her picture and said, “That looks like Carrot Top.” I rest my case.

Best Nobody

Clemence Poesy in vintage Chanel

InStyle informs me that Clemence Poesy, who has probably the worst stage name I’ve ever heard, is one of the new stars of Gossip Girl. I stopped watching that show when the guy from Next to Normal left the girl from The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants for dead in a car crash. (I know their names, it’s just way more fun to refer to them that way.) Anyway, she needs her roots touched up, and I’m not sure her face is quite beautiful enough to be going for that fresh-faced, natural thing that Dakota Fanning nailed above, but this dress is amazing. It’s not exactly hard to wear a perfect, simple vintage Chanel dress, but she kept things neat and simple with the accessories, and I respect her for that. Even if she has a dumbass name.

[Diva’s Note: It just came to my attention (thanks, Thu) that this girl actually played Fleur in the Harry Potter movies! Something I totally should have known, but what can I do, kittens? But the point is, maybe it’s not a dumbass name – it’s really just that she’s French, and has a French name, and I’m an idiot.]

First Lady Fashion

Michelle Obama in Azzedine Alaïa

Too bad for the Canadian Prime Minister and his wife – they’d look pretty cute, if they weren’t standing next to such a fabulous looking couple. Sorry, Canada, but you lose even in this photo, as it is clear that Americans have infinitely better fashion sense. Our First Lady looks truly amazing here – we all know it’s not easy to wear a white dress outside your wedding day, but Michelle not only nails it, but pairs it with great shoes, a fabulous bracelet, and her most flattering hairstyle to date. Not to mention that her arms, legs, and yes, FLOTUS cleavage look simply spectacular.

Repeat Offender

Jada Pinkett Smith

Well. Everything about this is terrible. Actually, to be fair, that tuxedo jacket would be fierce with a t-shirt and a pair of skinny jeans, but this… this is worse than Jada’s Tony awards mishap. I just don’t really understand what’s happening on top of her head, but I know it’s giving me a migraine.

Risks That Pay Off

Claire Danes in Zac Posen

Kudos to Claire Danes – this is definitely not a dress that the average woman, or even the average Hollywood woman, can pull off. But I think she’s absolutely glowing in this fabulous Zac Posen mixed print. It could have come off as costumey or even clownish, but Claire nails it, proving that a great smile makes every outfit even more fabulous.

Underage Stripper of the Week

Taylor Momsen

The photo on the left, though it should disturb me, unfortunately is not a surprise. It’s downright tame for Momsen, and actually would make a pretty fantastic Rocky Horror costume.

But the shoes, my friends. The shoes. Clear platform shoes. With actually dollar bills in them. AND THE SHOES SAY “TIPS” ON THEM. I mean, the girl is sixteen – shouldn’t that be illegal?

Best and Worst: Most Surprising Makeovers

Kristen Stewart in Herve Leger by Max Azria

I never dreamed I would say this, but K-Stew looks pretty fucking awesome right now. The new hair color is doing wonders for her. Usually when someone dyes their hair an entirely new color, it looks completely unnatural, but this feels so much more natural than her nearly-black hair did. The highlights frame her face beautifully, and I think the short hair is working for her as well. Not to mention the fact that she’s wearing a killer dress and fabulous heels (Brian Atwood shoes, to be exact). For once, her pale skin looks like beautiful porcelain instead of deathly ill. And those legs? Goodbye, knobbly knees; hello, supermodel. (Well, not quite. But in the immortal words of Whitney Fetterhoff, she’s got one hell of a set of getaway sticks.) And although she’s not smiling in this picture, she also doesn’t look like she wants to kill anyone, and has clearly been making an effort to not look so fucking miserable lately. I don’t know if the Eclipse producers picked a hot new stylist for her to drum up even more press about the film, but big hugs to whoever made this look happen. Let’s hope it stays.

Heidi Klum

Again, something I thought I’d never say: Heidi Klum isn’t looking so great, guys. Her new haircut fully sucks. It’s like if a scissor-happy kindergartener went to town on Anna Wintour’s bob. I guess the choppiness of it is a look, but it just looks sloppy, not chic. And it ages her about a decade – as does the skirt, which could be worn during Klum’s gynecologist appointment, as it provides such easy access. Heidi is a gorgeous woman with killer legs, but a slit that high does favors to absolutely no one.

Best Street Fashion: Diva’s Pick

Drew Barrymore

Recently, someone asked me what I’d wear every day if I could wear anything. I told them it was cocktail dresses with sneakers, but clearly I was wrong. Because this, ladies and gentlemen, is exactly what I would wear to walk around the city. A vintage sundress, hipster sunglasses, my signature messy bun, and the perfect pair of heels. I’ve never seen such effortless fashion before – I actually can’t stop looking at this picture. I think the lipstick matching the shoes is what really seals the deal for me. Never-ending kudos to Drew for wearing this casually around the West Village. I envy you.

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