The Council of Fashion Designers of America held their annual awards show, honoring Lady Gaga with their Fashion Icon award. So you KNOW this red carpet is going to be ridiculous.
2011 CFDA Fashion Awards Red Carpet (NSFW)
Posts tagged:diane von furstenberg
The Week in Celebrity Fashion, Part I
A brief return to blogging before a finals-filled hiatus.
Red Carpet Predictions: New York, Fall 2011
I now bring you this Diva’s personal red carpet predictions from New York Fashion Week, Fall 2011.
Best of Pre-Fall 2011
Best Separates: Diane von Furstenberg
Not every great look needs to be one dramatic, complex gown. Sometimes a perfect combination of beautiful, simple, classic pieces is all you need. Every item on the model is something that belongs in every woman’s closet, and most importantly, all the pieces can be worn separately. The colors are so 1970s meets Thanksgiving Day (that’s a compliment, I swear). All the cranberries and burgandies and oranges are just perfect for fall.
Most Likely to Dance on Ice: Jason Wu
Jason Wu Pre-Fall 2011. Model: Ming Xi
Is ice skater chic a thing? Because, I never thought I’d say this, but it totally should be – as long as Jason Wu is at the helm. I’m loving the slightly rouched bustline, the cinched waist, and the short but flowy skirt. The color-blocking is perfection: the ivory, iced baby pink, and almost metallic, dusty red are to die for.
Most Fabulous Print: Oscar de la Renta
Oscar de la Renta Pre-Fall 2011. Model: Viktoriya Sasonkina
A perfect fit, fabulous accessories, and beautiful silhouette enhance this totally gorgeous fall print. It’s not easy to rock an orange-and-black dress without being Halloween-ish, but on the runway, it’s phenom.
Coat of My Dreams: Burberry Prorsum
Burberry Prorsum Pre-Fall 2011. Model: Lisanne De Jong
No words. I’m too busy drooling.
Best Mix of Old and New: Reem Acra
Reem Acra Pre-Fall 2011. Model: Sacha Blue
That mauve lace, the high neck, and the general ornateness of this look make it feel totally vintage and antique. But the length of the sleeves and the embellishments on them feel completely modern, even futuristic, and absolutely unique. A definite home-run of a cocktail dress.
Cate Blanchett’s Academy Awards Gown: Jason Wu
Jason Wu Pre-Fall 2011. Model: Julia Saner
We all love a good red carpet prediction, and I can’t think of a style diva more fit for this glamorous gown than Cate Blanchett. She’s got the flair for the dramatic that this gown demands. Add a black underlay to hide those nips, and Cate will have Oscar gold.
Christina Hendricks’s Emmy Awards Gown: Monique Lhuillier
Monique Lhuillier Pre-Fall 2011
Strapless, voluminous, and assymetrical? Check. A color that would look brilliant on the red-headed Mad Men star? Check. A thick fabric and tight bodice to rein in a huge pair of titties? Check. Here’s your dress on a silver platter, Christina Hendricks. Act accordingly.
Best Bridal: Naeem Khan
Naeem Khan Pre-Fall 2011
Elegant, delicate, and breathtaking. The perfect gown for a bride who wants her wedding to have that romantic, vintage feel.
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© Democracy Diva, 2010.
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
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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.
The Week in Fashion
The Fashion Professionals
Vogue Editor Lauren Santo Domingo
This bitch has “fashion editor” written all over her. She’s a doppelganger to Dianna Agron (Glee‘s Quinn), only twice as fashionable. That skirt is beyond gorgeous and belongs in my closet immediately. Why don’t we all own perfectly fitted pencil skirts in crazy gorgeous prints? And those heels scream Vogue from a mile away. The perfect highlights, and that glance over the shoulder like she owns Manhattan. God bless her.
Fashion blogger Emily Theobald
This is proof of how a few classic but simple items are all you need. A vintage sundress, a skinny belt, brown sandals, and oversized sunglasses – all perfect for a late summer’s day of running around the city. It’s quirky and casual, like a professional blogger should be – you can tell by her laid back appearance that her work day involves a comfy chair, a dog on her lap, and a strong cup of coffee.
Joanna Hillman, senior fashion market editor at Harper's Bazaar
And this lady’s outfit says fashion/business all the way. The blouse is gorgeous, very European-looking, but crisp, so you know she’s serious. Those pants are the perfect cranberry color and make this skinny bitch’s legs look about eight miles long. The sunglasses, purse, lipstick and shoes say “I’m fabulous and you better not fuck with me,” but the casual braid says “See how I don’t even have to try hard to look this good?”
Jilian Sanz, fashion director of Haute Living magazine
And this woman looks like a Parisian socialite – she’d be complete if she were holding a Lanvin shopping bag. The sheer blouse compared to the long, sturdy skirt is a nice mix, and that greyish pink mauve leather is gorgeous. And the little eyelet peep-toe heels? Precious. Not to mention the jewelry, which makes the outfit.
The Fashion Show Attendees
Leighton Meester at the Derek Lam fashion show
Combat boots? With white sweatsocks? Leighton, are you trying to give me an aneurysm? The dress (or perhaps sweater/skirt combo) is dull as they come, and the metal bracelets taking over both her wrists give off a Wonder Woman vibe, and not in a good way. And what’s with the lack of hairstyle and makeup? This is New York Fashion Week. You’re going to have to try a hell of a lot harder than that.
Jenna Ushkowitz at the Rebecca Taylor fashion show
Attention, universe: Jenna Ushkowitz is clearly in desperate need of a stylist. That awful color, the oversized top, the whole peasant vibe it gives off, and that dreaded headband – this girl needs to be saved.
Portia de Rossi at the Richie Rich fashion show
Portia, who cut your bangs? Actually, let me put that more accurately: How fucking drunk was the blind mental patient who cut your bangs? Seriously, Portia is ordinarily a beautiful woman and here she looks like a seven-year-old boy.
Sarah Jessica Parker at the Diane Von Furstenberg fashion show
The hair looks as if she just barely escaped and wind tunnel, and the dress looks more like my grandmother’s droopy old apron than anything that should be in the same room as Diane Von Furstenberg.
The Fashion Party-Goers
Leighton Meester in Marc Jacobs
Way to turn up the heat, B! Leighton redeems herself in one of my favorite looks from Marc Jacobs’s Resort 2011 collection. The dress is breathtaking on her, the purse is completely badass, and I think the white shoes were a bold and wise choice. And see the difference it makes when her hair and makeup are done? Poof, instant starlet.
Alexis Bledel
Our very own Rory Gilmore was all over the Fashion Week scene. I’m liking the lighter hair color, and though the dress is pretty overdone, it’s cute enough. Particularly for someone who doesn’t dress particularly well. The pumps and clutch were an obvious choice, as was the matchy-matchy gold bracelet, but who can say no to those blue eyes?
Outside New York
Alexa Chung in Rachel Antonoff
Alexa Chung takes over London in this fabulous little yellow number. Perfect cut and fit, a bright and fun print, and freaking adorable grey booties.
Cate Blanchett in Christian Lacroix
Holy hell. Now this is a dress. The sleeves, the neck line, the colors, the fit, the draping of the skirt, the impeccable details – Cate truly looks like royalty in this gown. Her porcelain skin and boyish haircut just add another element of high fashion to an already fantastic look.
Emma Stone
Too big on top, too short on bottom, too long in the sleeves, tacky colors, and a vomit-inducing print. Yup, this is about as many mistakes as you can make at once on the red carpet.
Carey Mulligan
Oh, jeez. What is it, Carey, your bat mitzvah? What post-adolescent woman would be caught dead in something so Tinker Bell? It’s just incredibly immature. Even the cut of the dress looks more appropriate for a little girl than a woman. And the shoes only make matters worse. Glinda the Good Witch would look at this and go, “Whoa, girl. Chill out on the sparkles.”
Blake Lively in Chanel Haute Couture
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Blake Lively was the best dressed of the week, in my humble opinion. I am literally drooling over this blood red Chanel dress, which shines like it was laquered. And although it brings to mind awkward images of flowers sprouting from Serena’s nether regions, I think the red flowers are absolutely breathtaking. It looks so meticulously made, and it fits Blake like a second skin. The matching shoes are intense, but I think they make a strong statement. Her cocktail rings are what truly complete this look, especially the one that matches the dress. And with her red lipstick and effortlessly sexy blonde hair, Blake looks damn near perfect here.
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I’m reviewing all the collections from New York Fashion Week, so keep checking back for updates! And follow me on twitter @democracydiva.
Runway Review: The Week In Fashion
This week had a little too much fashion for just one blog post, so I’ve divided your weekly fashion recap into two parts: runway and red carpet. Here’s the runway edition, as the Resort 2011 collections have exploded this week.
Best Accessory: Vamped-Up Stockings
The gams are getting glamorous on the runway this week! Though the effect feels much more fall than spring, many designers chose vamped-up stockings and ornate tights as accessories. I have always been a fan of the embellished stocking – somehow it always makes an outfit more interesting and way sexier.
Worst Accessory: The Tube Belt
I tend to support eccentric accessories, particularly those that bring an element of grittiness into an otherwise tailored, feminine outfit (or vice versa). But if the fashionistas start wearing these ugly, unflattering belts that look like they belong at a gas pump, I’m going to have to scream. I beg you, ladies. No matter how badly you need a belt, rubber tubing is not the answer.
The Saddest Girl on the Runway
There is a such thing as “so bad it’s good.” Examples include the earlier seasons of Degrassi: The Next Generation, “Party in the USA” by Miley Cyrus, and the entire High School Musical franchise. Unfortunately, Cynthia Rowley’s Resort 2011 collection is not “so bad it’s good.” Because it’s downright fugly. From the white shoes to the shapeless “dress” to the patched, frayed fabric – I understand the point is to make a statement using ugliness, but the only statement this makes is “I’m a little homeless boy in my mommy’s shoes”
The Legend of Oscar
Oscar de la Renta Resort 2011
As per usual, I had nearly every look in Oscar de la Renta’s Resort 2011 collection tagged as one of my favorites this week, but I managed to narrow it down to two looks that explain the genius of Mr. de la Renta.
The above look is what designers like Leanne from Project Runway constantly attempt but never quite achieve. She, like Oscar, made full skirts of fabric pieces to make it look like waves, but she limited herself with her desire to stay within a specific structure and color scheme. This blood-red beauty catches like feathers in the wind, moves like waves, possibly could have been made by Elmo’s taxidermist, and is romantic and sweet all at the same time. The rose-looking twist at the center is exquisite.
Oscar de la Renta Resort 2011
And this kind of gown is what Christopher from Project Runway always tried, to no avail. But to create something like this is so much more than making a dress. It truly stands as a piece of art, carefully and thoughtfully draped, sewn, and constructed. I personally love the different polka-dot prints, the black sash at her waist, and the ornate bodice.
The Ill-Fitting Crotch Award
These pants were apparently draped intentionally to give the appearance of a giant cameltoe.
Marc by Marc Jacobs Resort 2011
The Democracy Diva would like to take this opportunity to remind all designers, not just Givenchy and Marc, that vaginas do not need a square foot of breathing room.
90s Throwbacks
This My So Called Life meets Coco Chanel hybrid has all the modernity of the new millennium with the grittiness of the 90s. The tweed dress is lovely (and such an unusual shape) and those peep-toe combat boots are destined to be in my closet. But the black long-sleeved lace undershirt really amps up the alternative rock sensibility, and the contrast between the tailored and the distressed is incredibly beautiful.
Diva’s Pet Peeve
Now, I KNOW we’ve talked about sweatpants on the runway before. I don’t care if it’s the resort collection – fabulous casual vacation lounge clothing and bright yellow elastic waistband sweatpants are not the same. And this poor soul isn’t helped by that boxy T-shirt, the horrible choker, and the mismatched purse.
Best Bollywood Influence
I love the way Naeem Khan’s entire collection felt like it lay somewhere in between Hollywood and Bollywood. Gowns like this one – perfect red carpet gowns with just whispers of sari influences – simultaneously have old Hollywood glamour and a completely modern, global sensibility.
Costumes by Marc Jacobs
Doesn’t this have Emma Pillsbury from Glee written all over it? If McKinley High has a prom or Emma and Will have an engagement party, I think our neurotic little guidance counselor should wear this chic, flowery ensemble from Marc Jacobs.
Marc Jacobs Resort 2011
If this Diva were Katy Perry’s stylist, this is what I’d put her in for a casual day or hot summer night. This is what Katy should be wearing – zany, revealing costumes that hearken back to the 1940s pinup girls. She should go less wild and more conceptual, and her wardrobe would be intriguing instead of just weird.
The Dragtastic Dress
Since the model above does not appear to be a tennis pro by day / drag queen by night who is addicted to ecstasy, I can’t imagine where she plans on wearing this dress.
My Favorite Mini-Dresses
A girly print with a fascinating belt and truly fabulous straps. And that matching bag? To die for.
I call this look “Little Red Riding Hood Goes Bad.” Youthful, sexy, and fresh.
Because, let’s be honest, it’s not summer until you whip out your wildest neon dress.
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More fashion to come! Check back here soon for the Tonys red carpet and more!
Fashion Week’s 10 Best Looks
And now, for my final fashion week blog post: The 10 best individual looks. You’ve already seen what I’ve loved from the best collections, so get a glimpse of the rest of the beauty that this season has to offer.
#10: Tracy Reese
Tracy Reese Fall 2010
I love my prom dress, but I think this might be the only dress I would have preferred to wear instead. Pink and girly and sweet, but with some interestingly textured draping on the side. Pair it with the badass shoes, the black lace tights, and the funky necklace, and it goes from sugary sweet to a little bit rock-chic.
#9: Cynthia Steffe
Cynthia Steffe Fall 2010
Steffe’s collection was very heavily influenced by the schoolgirl look, and this precious outfit is no exception. I don’t know what I love more – black Mary Janes with socks that go up to those knobbly knees, or this cute little girl’s face paired with the mini leather jacket and matching skirt. It’s so hilariously precious and badass at the same time.
#8: Leanne Marshall
Leanne Marshall Fall 2010
This is easily recognizable as the work of Leanne Marshall, the quiet, mousy, mildly boring winner of the 5th season of Project Runway. I hate everything about this model and the styling of this look, from the awful hair to the clown makeup to the model’s visible lack of experience, bu I cannot stop staring at this dress. Brilliant concept, nicely executed, and so quirky. Subtract the black tights, add a lighter shoe, and put it on a different model, and it’d be a real contender.
#7: Gary Graham
Gary Graham Fall 2010
I just find the shape and volume of the dress, coat, and shoes so intriguing. I love the colors of the dress, and I love that it sort of looks like it’s been stuffed with newspapers to give it that voluminous effect. The jacket is fabulous and perfect with the dress, and the shoes look downright dangerous in the best possible way. I like that her eyes are in shadow but the hair and makeup are simple. Overall, a nice surprise from Gary Graham.
#6: Jill Stuart
Jill Stuart Fall 2010
Anybody who can mix prints and not make the outfit look like it was chosen by a mental patient gets an automatic award from me. These seemingly mismatched prints are stunning together. I love the contrast between the loose-fitting sleeves and the skin-tight dress. I also wish I could pull off those boots. The knit hat is adorable, and this model is wearing the hell out of the whole look.
#5: Vera Wang
Vera Wang Fall 2010
This, to me, is another perfect look. Interesting draping, mixing textures and fabrics, shiny and fun without being too youthful, killer jewelry and shoes. I think every starlet under 25 should be wearing this on the red carpet – I know this is what I’m wearing when my guest starring role on Glee gets me nominated for an Emmy. And a Grammy. (Whatever, it could totally happen.) I do hate this model’s slightly-too-vacant stare, and I highly disapprove of the blatant use of Bump-It happening atop her head, but I am salivating over this dress. Nothing’s better than something black and shiny against that perfectly white background.
#4: Diane von Furstenberg
Diane von Furstenberg Fall 2010
I’ve never seen a designer even attempt to do what Diane mastered with this suit. If it came with a skirt, I think Coco Chanel herself would wear this. That icy grayish purple color of the flowers is so beautiful. This look is just such a breath of fresh air. And check out those little gloves. Too cute.
#3: Herve Leger
Herve Leger Fall 2010
I was surprised by how much I enjoyed Herve Leger’s collection. His ace bandage dresses are obviously a huge hit, because they make every woman look phenomenal and fit like a glove, but they’re not particularly innovative or interesting on their own, so I wasn’t sure how I was going to enjoy a collection of his work. But Leger showed true innovation and creativity with this look. Futuristic and modern, but not over-the-top. This is the kind of thing Fergie or Beyoncé should wear when they’re singing about the year 3008 or whatever the hell excuse they have for wearing such bizarre outfits. I think the concept, design, and execution of this dress are impeccable, and I think it’s still flattering and wearable. Kudos, Herve.
#2: Badgley Mischka
Badgley Mischka Fall 2010
I don’t have anything to say. It’s simply beautiful.
#1: Irina Shabayeva
Irina Shabayeva Fall 2010
Believe me, no one was more surprised than I when something by Irina Shabayeva, the winner of the universally hated 6th season of Project Runway, ended up being one of my favorite looks on the runway. I always hated Irina – I felt that she was overpraised by the designers because she was the only one with even a modicum of talent, but she was still a complete no-talent who would have been destroyed by the top 3 in any other season. It looks like she proved me wrong.
I think I could spend ten minutes doing nothing but staring at this photo. First of all, I love that she kept her model from Project Runway to work with her on this collection, because her model is quite talented, and it’s just so sweet that they stayed together after the show. Furthermore, this feels so McQueen during a season that desperately missed his beautiful influence. The shape of this feels like it’s keeping Alexander McQueen’s legacy alive without stealing from him. And those feathers are so incredibly beautiful, I forget that she’s a woman and not a peacock. In a good way.
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So, you’ve seen the best and worst of it all, my friends. Stay tuned for posts about things having nothing to do with New York fashion week!
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The Democracy Diva 