Posts filed in:Runway Fashion

Red Carpet Predictions: Spring 2011

Get ready, dear readers, because it’s time to play stylist to the stars! I’m taking the most glitzy-glamorous, red carpet-worthy gowns from ALL the Spring 2011 runway collections – NEW YORK to LONDON to MILAN to PARIS – and I’ll be deciding which of your favorite celebs will be wearing them out on the town. Let’s have some fun!

ANGELINA JOLIE will wear…

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2011

ANNA KENDRICK will wear…

Commuun Spring 2011

ANNE HATHAWAY will wear…

Elie Saab Spring 2011

BLAKE LIVELY will wear…

Monique Lhuillier Spring 2011

CAREY MULLIGAN will wear…

Carmen Marc Valvo Spring 2011

CHLOE SEVIGNY will wear…

Viktor & Rolf Spring 2011

CHRISTINA HENDRICKS will wear…

Christian Siriano Spring 2011

DAKOTA FANNING will wear…

Julien MacDonald Spring 2011

DIANE KRUGER will wear…

Wes Gordon Spring 2011

ELIZABETH BANKS will wear…

Elie Saab Spring 2011

EMMA WATSON will wear…

Versace Spring 2011

FREIDA PINTO will wear…

Gucci Spring 2011

HEIDI KLUM will wear…

Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2011

JANUARY JONES will wear…

Valetin Yudashkin Spring 2011

JENNIFER ANISTON will wear…

A. F. Vandevorst Spring 2011

JESSICA BIEL will wear…

Emanuel Ungaro Spring 2011

KATY PERRY will wear…

Manish Arora Spring 2011

KIM KARDASHIAN will wear…

Gianfranco Ferré Spring 2011

KRISTEN STEWART will wear…

Matthew Williamson Spring 2011

KRISTIN CHENOWETH will wear…

Collette Dinnigan Spring 2011

LADY GAGA will wear…

Manish Arora Spring 2011

and GAGA will wear…

Maison Martin Margiela Spring 2011

and of course, GAGA will wear…

Viktor & Rolf Spring 2011

Vikto & Rolf Spring 2011

LEA MICHELE will wear…

Monique Lhuillier Spring 2011

LEIGHTON MEESTER will wear…

Chapurin Spring 2011

MADONNA will wear…

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2011

MARION COTILLARD will wear…

Carlos Miele Spring 2011

MICHELLE WILLIAMS will wear…

Alexis Mabille Spring 2011

MILEY CYRUS will wear…

Vivienne Westwood Spring 2011

RACHEL BILSON will wear…

Cacharel Spring 2011

RIHANNA will wear…

Gareth Pugh Spring 2011

SARAH JESSICA PARKER will wear…

Jason Wu Spring 2011

SCARLETT JOHANSSON will wear…

Chloé Spring 2011

SELENA GOMEZ will wear…

Victoria Beckham Spring 2011

TAYLOR MOMSEN will wear…

Chanel Spring 2011

TAYLOR SWIFT will wear…

Tibi Spring 2011

ZOE SALDANA will wear…

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2011

—

And with that, your Spring 2011 posts are complete!

democracydiva's avatar

Posted by democracydiva

The Unmatched Beauty of Paris Fashion Week

I couldn’t narrow it down to a happy little number. There was too much beauty. So pour yourself a fresh cup of coffee and put your feet up, dear readers, ’cause we’ve got some fabulous to see.

Paris Goes Punk

 

Balmain Spring 2011

 

Studded accessories have been a super-hot trend for months, and Balmain (thankfully) refuses to tire of it. This jacket is beyond perfection. It gives incredible edge and style to whatever you wear it with. And if you’re Lady Gaga, just wear it with a thong and you’re all set!

 

Balmain Spring 2011

 

This is easily the best pair of destroyed jeans I’ve ever seen. How did I not know until now that cigarette burns look AWESOME on clothes? And that ultra-faded tank is the essence of cool.

 

Jean Paul Gaultier Spring 2011

 

Joan Jett wigs were all over the Jean Paul Gaultier runway, giving a rocker edge to every single look. Unique twists on classic pieces also ruled this collection – like this bubble-hemmed corseted shirtdress and its somehow effortless, I-don’t-give-a-fuck attitude.

Hello, Color!

 

Giambattista Valli Spring 2011

 

That is some impeccable draping. And the color-blocking is terrifically executed. Any woman could rock a dress like this. And that shade of orange is perfect.

 

Nina Ricci Spring 2011

 

Gorgeous look. Totally feminine and sweet, but incredibly fashion-forward. The design on the shirt is beautiful; complex, but not overdesigned. The skirt is heaven, and the colors scream spring. Matching the purse, but not the shoes, to the outfit was a genius styling decision. And best of all, all these pieces can be rocked separately OR together.

 

Lanvin Spring 2011

 

Who said you can’t wear red with pink? Lanvin proves that the combo of these colors can be utterly show-stopping. Dramatic and fabulous as they come – but I expect nothing less from Lanvin.

Hot Trends: Military & Lace

 

Valentino Spring 2011

 

There’s something so delicate and romantic about a dress like this. I love the skinny belt and the possibly studded, but perhaps just bejeweled shoes. The combination of such different textures is really intriguing. The dress is simple at first glance, but when you really examine it, it seems so meticulously designed and executed.

 

Valentino Spring 2011

 

Gorgeous. Another fantastic Valentino piece that gives off a false sense of simplicity when it’s really a phenomenally put together garment. The lace just seems so luxurious. And even though she’s fully covered up, there’s so much sex appeal in all that lace beauty.

 

Alexander McQueen Spring 2011

 

Proving that true fashion lives on even after we’re gone, this season’s Alexander McQueen collection was absolutely amazing. Nothing strayed too far from McQueen’s unique vision, but every piece still felt new and exciting. I love this regal/military inspired jacket with the totally adorable and wearable skirt. It’s a great combination of silhouettes, and the little peek-a-boo at the shoulders is so charming.

Jaw-Dropping Gowns

 

Lanvin Spring 2011

 

Another mega-hit gown from Lanvin. Perfect spring muted pastel colors – the tan and camel colors were particularly hot this season, but few designers paired it with “real” colors in such a beautiful way. But that sort of smoky jade colored skirt is unbelievable, from the flow to the fabric to the color. The necklace and shoes are amazing; once again, Lanvin reminds us of why the Paris shows are unmatched in fabulosity.

 

Alexander McQueen Spring 2011

 

 

Alexander McQueen Spring 2011

 

The interwoven braids are astounding, and they perfectly match this Eve on the Garden of Eden’s Red Carpet vibe. The gold leaves and branches climbing up the bodice are astounding, the silhouette is classic McQueen. There’s something so ethereal about this. It took my breath away. And you can kinda see her nipples, but it’s subtle – at least compared to every other designer this season (let me tell you, nipples are BACK). Definitely my favorite look from New York Fashion Week.

 

Alexander McQueen Spring 2011

 

 

Alexander McQueen Spring 2011

 

But boy, did this dress bring the DRAMA. As Nate (this Diva’s boyfriend) said to me this week, Alexander McQueen was one of the only designers who could make non-fashionistas (read: straight men) believe that fashion can truly be art. I’m happy to see that the artistic genius of McQueen’s work lives on.

—

You know you love the runway! Paris is grand, but check out my recaps of London, Milan, and New York Fashion Weeks. And check back later for the EPIC Red Carpet Predictions post!

democracydiva's avatar

Posted by democracydiva

Milan Fashion Week’s Best Looks

Three fashion weeks down, one to go! Here’s the hottest looks Milan Fashion Week had to offer. Next stop, Paris!

5. Glammed-Up Classics

Moschino Spring 2011

The dress is simple, chic, and utter perfection. And although this look clearly has never heard Coco Chanel’s advice about taking off one accessory before you leave the house, this is as glamorous as simplicity gets. The beauty of this dress is its versatility – you could see a hipster-starlet like Carey Mulligan rocking it with no jewelry and a pixie cut, but this model is styled like the richest lady at the rodeo and she is still nailing it.

4. Can’t Get Enough of Coats

Salvatore Ferragamo Spring 2011

I love the color – it’s like the love child of mustard yellow and olive green. And don’t we all need a good full-length trench to match our swimsuits? I know I do. Seriously, though, this coat is heavenly. Very rainy London afternoon (not that I’d ever dream of getting this coat wet).

3. Back to Basics

Versace Spring 2011

This is the perfect combination of retro and futuristic. We’ve still got a minimalist mod vibe (loving the buttons), but those straps modernize the look. And the shoes? I haven’t seen something so alien-chic since Alexander McQueen’s Spring 2010 collection. It’s amazing how Versace can provide such a strong point of view with such simple elements.

2. The Female Tux

Francesco Scognamiglio Spring 2011

I want  to see the celebrity who can rock this sexy cream tuxedo at a red carpet event. Totally luxe, totally chic, and you’ll be sure to stand out in a sea of glittery cocktail dresses and shimmering gowns.

1. Grandma Chic Done Right

Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2011

Half the fabric is my grandmother’s tablecloth; the other half is the upholstery on her couch. Yet somehow these two old lady fabrics combine into one sexy and breathtaking dress. The collection was filled with white lace vintage undergarment-inspired looks, with splashes of black lace, leopard print, and fabulous flowery prints thrown in for a little more sex appeal and intrigue. Most of the looks were closer to lingerie than wearable garments, but this dress bridged the gap. Romantic, sexy, and above all, luxurious.

—

If you liked Milan Fashion Week, you’ll love my coverage of New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week!

democracydiva's avatar

Posted by democracydiva

The Best of London Fashion Week

Time to unleash your innermost Anglophilia! Let’s talk about the hottest looks on the runway at London Fashion Week.

5. Suit Up

Vivienne Westwood Red Label Spring 2011

Vivienne Westwood is one of the main reasons that I love British fashion. She’s quirky and original, and this look embodies that. The suit itself is fantastic, from the slightly cock-eyed skirt to the supremely fabulous matching hat. Throw on some red lipstick and a few splotches of blue paint, and you’ve got yourself a look!

4. Joan Meets Betty

Paul Costelloe Spring 2011

The New York runways were all about the 1970s, but overseas, the 1960s were the trendy decade of choice. Perhaps Mad Men, the upcoming Jackie O biopic, and other 1960s nostalgia are bringing the era back, but regardless of who is to blame, this dress has Betty Draper meets Joan Holloway all over it. The soft, sweet colors and the way it flares out at the waist remind me of the iconic little housewife (played by January Jones), but the neckline, bodice, and simple sex appeal feel more like the ferocious redhead Joan (Christina Hendricks). But whoever this dress is, it’s certainly gorgeous (and miles shorter than either character would dream of wearing).

3. The Little Grey Dress

My definition of a new classic: You never knew it until you saw it, but you’ve been wanting it your entire life. That’s exactly how I feel about this dress. It feels so fresh and modern, and yet it belongs in every woman’s closet. It’s amazing that such a simple dress in such subdued colors can be such a showstopper.

2. The Truly Perfect Military Coat

 

If you haven’t figured it out yet, I have a thing for coats. Seriously. Ladies, you can have your shoes and purses and belts – just give me trenches, peacoats, waistcoats, tuxedo jackets, blazers, and the like. And very few designers make a better coat than Burberry. This coat-dress is beyond perfection. I love the military design elements – the olive green color, the double-breasted cut, the big buttons, the wide shoulders – and it’s perfectly accessorized for the runway. The slim fit from the waist and in the long sleeves sexes up the otherwise masculine details. Perfect from collar to hem.

 

1. From Modern to Mod

Paul Smith Spring 2011

Project Runway just did a challenge on what the modern Jackie Kennedy would wear, but I think Paul Smith hit the nail on the head better than any of those designers. The silhouette is classic as can be – perfect simplicity. The flowery print is vintage-looking, as are the white polka dots, but together they create something modern and stunning. And like the Burberry coat, this look is also completed by a skinny yellow double-wrapped belt, which gives it a funky, downtown pop. I’ll take the shoes as well.

—

Haven’t had your fashion fill yet? Don’t miss my coverage of New York Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week! And get all the updates on twitter @democracydiva.

democracydiva's avatar

Posted by democracydiva

New York Fashion Week’s 10 Best Looks

10. The Retro Swimsuit

 

Vintage-style swimwear is one of my favorite fashion trends. Bandeau tops, high-waisted bottoms – I’ll take that over a barely-there string bikini any day of the week. And in this gorgeous color, with the matching sweater and shoes? Who could possibly say no to this?

9. Lady in Red

 

From the way Project Runway is going, I’m not sure Valerie will actually make it to the top three, but her collection said otherwise. Architectural and feminine, like season 2 winner Chloe Dao. I hate the fake-looking wigs she used on every damn model, but this dress is truly stunning. It’s got complexity and intrigue but still feels classic.

8. Mad Men Meets Babydoll

 

The fabric choice is mod-chic, but the babydoll length is totally 90s. I love the sleeves and the way it flares out, flattering her teensy waist. A classically beautiful shape and print.

7. Architectural Chic

 

Totally modern, totally gorgeous. All those lines would be overwhelming if the dress wasn’t broken up by the clean white stripes in the middle. And that white sheer underlay? Delicious.

6. A Skirt for the Ages

 

Well, looks like I’ve found my new lawyer-chic ensemble. A crisp button down and a skirt with serious attitude is all a professional woman needs. That draping is so meticulous and it completely modernizes a classic outfit. I love the black bow at the waist, and I like that the skirt has some volume without making her look hippy.

5. Color Me Fabulous

 

Marc wins the award for best use of color. He didn’t hide behind taupes and whites – Mr. Jacobs went all out with gorgeous, rich, unique colors (and it happens to match my Ted Baker purse perfectly). Say what you will about the prairie-girl silhouettes – those colors are the only ones I want to wear this spring.

4. A New Silhouette

 

I’m just obsessed with the shapes of these pieces. Totally fresh and totally Vera. And that hair is so perfect for a Vera show – a pumped-up, volumized classic.

3. Hervé Strikes Again

Hervé Léger Spring 2011

Hervé Léger is beloved by celebrities for making skin-tight, incredibly body-conscious dresses. His infamous “bandage dresses” have been worn by the likes of Elisabeth Moss, L, Kim Kardashian, Anne Hathaway, Victoria Beckham, Blake Lively, and countless more starlets. He also nailed the number three spot in my post last season about the ten best looks from Fall 2010 (for a dress later worn by Lea Michele). And he’s back with a vengeance this season, with more awe-inspiring designs that show off a woman’s body like never before. Gorgeous, architectural, and above all, totally smokin’.

2. The Perfect Print

 

Fabulous silhouette and fit, but it’s the print that makes this truly unique. Those colors are beyond incredible. I hope this print shows up all over the runway this spring.

1. The Modern Classic

 

That fade from nude into navy is gorgeous. Such a dramatic effect in such a simple and timeless dress. Voluminous on the body, angelic on the top – a beautiful dress for any woman.

—

Need more NYFW? Check out the worst looks, the hottest trends, and the best collections from New York Fashion Week. And for all your overseas fashion needs, don’t miss out on the best of London Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week!

 

 

democracydiva's avatar

Posted by democracydiva

Trannies & Cameltoes: The 10 Worst Looks from New York Fashion Week

10. Vagina Cleavage

Project Runway's Andy South Spring 2011

It makes me very upset to say this, but I need a word for when you can see a little side-vagina action, a la Lady Gaga. Side-gina? Vagina cleavage? Peek-a-vag? (I think that’s my favorite.) Maybe we should name it after Gaga and call it a Gagagina. Dear readers, I wish there were not a need for me to invent such a term, but Andy committed a serious fashion faux pas by letting this model walk down the runway in an over-designed bathrobe and a cooter-revealing panty. Andy, I believe that your model got a bikini wax before the show. You really don’t need to prove it to us.

9. The Tiny Backwards Apron

Charlotte Ronson Spring 2011

Really? That’s the part of the body we’re choosing to emphasize? The area between the boobs and the bellybutton is not something that women want to highlight with window curtains. That square patch of exposed skin is beyond unnecessary. Also, is it just me, or is this Kurt Cobain in a skirt?

8. Drab and Sad

Richard Chai Love Spring 2011

Anybody in the market for an over-sized denim tunic and a saggy double-layered skirt? No? I didn’t think so.

7. My Lovely Lady Lumps

Doo.Ri Spring 2011

Oh, lord. Why would anybody place seams in those places? It just makes this poor bitch look like her (nonexistent) fat is busting out of that dress. And the diagonal pieces across her tummy? No, no, no!

6. The Worst of 1999

Y-3 Spring 2011

I had that belt in seventh grade, and even I knew it was lame. Also, that shirt is so tacky I’m pretty sure Jessica Alba wore it in Never Been Kissed. (Yeah, she was in that. So was James Franco. Look it up.) And I’m pretty sure MC Hammer would look at those pants and say, “That’s a bit much.”

5. The Tranny Orchestra

Elise Øverland Spring 2011

Okay. So this is a dude with a mohawk wearing pants under a skirt while playing the violin. And he had Taylor Momsen do his eyeliner. If this is fashion, I may as well just give up right now.

4. Ugly Pants: The Sequel

Malandrino Spring 2011

For some reason, Catherine Malandrino neglected to read my last post about her ugly pants, and continued her trend of saggy crotches. One season of jodpurs may be forgivable, but two? I will not stand for such offensive clothing.

3. Ugly Pants is Better than No Pants At All

Malandrino Spring 2011

Knitwear legwarmers as pants? Plus a nipple-tastic ratty tee and a giant panty? Okay, Malandrino. I’ll take the saggy-vag pants over this shit.

2. Creature of the Underworld

Jen Kao Spring 2011

Dear readers: If you ever see me in a greasy mullet, scary bottom-lid eyeliner, thick-thighed sheer pants, and whatever the fuck those “shoes” are, please commit me to the nearest rehabilitation center. Thank you.

1. The Cameltoe

Sachin + Babi Spring 2011

Look at this poor model’s face. She’s saying, “I’m wearing a jumpsuit in a pattern best suited for your grandmother’s couch, with a karate belt, Wonder Woman bracelets, and queer little bows around my ankles. AND LOOK AT WHAT THEY DID TO MY POOR VAGINA!” In other news, I don’t think  I’ve ever used the word “vagina” so many times in one post. I’ll work on that, dear readers.

—
Up next: The ten BEST looks from New York Fashion Week! Follow me @democracydiva for updates.

democracydiva's avatar

Posted by democracydiva

Best Collections of New York Fashion Week

No surprise here – in a week full of tans and taupes and creams and whites, two collections stood out from the crowd: Oscar de la Renta and Marchesa. I highly suggest you check out the full collections and weep over all the unattainable beauty for yourselves.

Oscar de la Renta

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2011

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2011

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2011

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2011

Too many designers took “spring” to mean droopy, dreary, washed-out clothes that lacked color or personality. Not Oscar. He emphasized the vibrancy of spring in his color palette and was unafraid to emphasize the woman’s body in his silhouettes. His tweed suits and dresses were very Coco Chanel, and the entire collection felt like a more modern, more luxurious version of the Mad Men. It may not have been the most innovative or forward-thinking of collections, but we love Oscar for taking what’s classic and making it feel new again, and that’s exactly what he did.

Marchesa

Marchesa Spring 2011

Marchesa Spring 2011

Marchesa Spring 2011

Marchesa Spring 2011

Marchesa designer Georgina Chapman knows drama. Her collections don’t change drastically from season to season, but somehow every voluminous dress looks newer, more spectacular, and more gravity-defying than the last. They’re far from wearable – I mean, can you imagine sitting down in that blue gown? – but you can see the detail and creativity that goes into each piece. And although I’ve seen Marchesa and other designers do those intricate cut-out designs before, they never cease to amaze me.

—

Up next on the blog: The 10 best and 10 worst looks of New York Fashion Week! Stay tuned and stay updated @democracydiva.

democracydiva's avatar

Posted by democracydiva

New York Fashion Week: Spring 2011’s Biggest Trends

The great thing about having the flu is that I have all the time in the world to blog! We’ve got some serious fabulous to get through, so let’s start with New York Fashion Week’s hottest (and nottest) trends.

Splattered Paint

Project Runway: April Johnston Spring 2011

I first noticed this fabulous trend while flipping through the Project Runway collections. I couldn’t believe how strange and sexy the paint splattered across the models’ thighs seemed. This absolutely gorgeous top is also paint-splattered. It’s hard to make something like that look expensive instead of gimmicky, but April nailed it, through and through. And clothes artfully splattered with paint made their way up and down dozens of other runways during New York Fashion Week.

Richie Rich Spring 2011

Carlos Miele Spring 2011

Alexandre Herchcovitch Spring 2011

Betsey Johnson Spring 2011

The American West

The wild wild west was a huge trend last season, and the love of the heartland permeated this season as well. The influences ranged from Native American to prairie girl to old-time saloon whore, and they spanned collections from Ralph Lauren to Anna Sui.

Anna Sui Spring 2011

Anna Sui Spring 2011

Betsey Johnson Spring 2011

L.A.M.B. Spring 2011

Vivienne Tam Spring 2011

Ralph Lauren Spring 2011

Ralph Lauren Spring 2011

Fugly Sunglasses

The world’s ugliest sunglasses made appearances on the face of every malnourished woman over 5’10” this season. Inspired by John Lennon, that atrocious remake of Willy Wonka, and those little plastic glasses they make you wear at the tanning salon, an embarrassingly large number of designers showcased some seriously fugly sunglasses. Let’s take a look.

Tracy Reese

Alexandre Herchcovitch Spring 2011

Anna Sui Spring 2011

Diane von Furstenberg Spring 2011

Leifsdottir Spring 2011

Knitwear

Nothing like a little crocheting to get your through the spring! Knitwear, particularly in black, white and cream, was all over the runway this season. Shirts, coats, dresses and more, designers focused on the beautiful intricacies of knit garments in their collections.

Anna Sui Spring 2011

Ralph Lauren Spring 2011

Tibi Spring 2011

Vivienne Tam Spring 2011

—

Check back here for more Fashion Week updates! Look out for posts on my red carpet predictions, my favorite collections, and the best and worst looks of New York Fashion Week! Follow me on twitter for all the latest news @democracydiva.

democracydiva's avatar

Posted by democracydiva

Diva’s Choice: The Modern Victorian Bride

Christian Dior Fall 2005 couture gown

Where the traditional meets the modern, this dress resides. The floral motif as old as the institution of marriage itself, pink flowers cascade down this gown. The bodice and skirt are wrapped and draped beautifully; still voluminous and powerful as a Victorian-era pride, but in ivorys, pinks, and golds. And the matching gloves are spectacular – a must for any formal affair. The shoes that tie in a bow around her ankles are precious, and I can’t stop staring at the color of the dress itself.  A sort of dirty, dingy take on traditional bridal colors, but still keeping the overall look soft and feminine. But I love the way the skirt gathers and hangs like the bride has a skirt of smoke billowing around her. It seems delicate and angelic. Not to mention tip-top couture perfection.

—
Follow the Diva! @democracydiva

democracydiva's avatar

Posted by democracydiva

Diva’s Choice: Wet Paint

Sasha Pivovarova in Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2008 RTW

When I can’t sleep, I look through slideshows from runway collections. (It’s a new habit, but an enjoyable and relaxing one.) The entire Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2008 ready-to-wear collection is splattered with paint, a little at first, but exploding into a veritable Jackson Pollock by the end of the runway show. (I encourage you to take a look at it, because the gowns at the end are truly works of art.)

I chose this dress amongst the last few glamorous, paint-dribbled gowns in the collection because it was not only an awe-inspiring print – it’s also a unique silhouette. The other gowns are similar in shape to the Christian Diors and Oscar de la Rentas and Marchesas that I post about all the time; this one felt more structurally unique. It certainly has elements of Marchesa and Vera Wang draped cocktail dresses, but the black crinoline peeking out from behind the skirt and the bodice add such a unique element, both in structure and texture. That shock of bright lilac paint on the skirt is astounding; the matching shoes prove that Dolce & Gabbana have the keenest eyes for detail.

Sometimes I feel as if designers only bother to show a fascinating print or a fascinating structure, but rarely both, for fear of going over-the-top or biting off more than they can chew. But D&G dare to go there, and the result is dark, dangerous, and delicous.

democracydiva's avatar

Posted by democracydiva

No more posts.