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Posts tagged:rodarte
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.
Front Row: Celebrities at New York Fashion Week
Who cares about the runway when everybody important is in the front row? Here’s what the celebs you love to hate most rocked at New York Fashion Week.
Is anyone else curious as to why Vanessa Hudgens was at practically every show?
The Week in Celebrity Fashion: Featuring the Glee Cast & More
Your slightly delayed (forgive me, as law school kicks my ass) weekly celebrity fashion recap. Check back later tonight for the Golden Globes red carpet post!
The 2010 Best Dressed List
Honorable Mention: Carey Mulligan, Florence Welch, & Ashley Olsen
Who: Carey Mulligan
What: Vionnet Pre-Fall 2010
Where & When: BAFTA Awards in London, February
Why: England’s favorite pixie proved her status as a style maven this year. Elegant and original, this gown was a serious step forward for this A-lister in the making.
Who: Florence Welch
What: Givenchy Fall 2010 couture
Where & When: MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles, September
Why: The front-woman of Florence + the Machine showed she’s more than just a rock goddess – she’s a couture queen. You can’t help but admire the drama of this gold gown and accessories paired with Flo’s shockingly red hair and lips.
Who: Ashley Olsen
What: Erdem Fall 2009
Where & When: In Style/Warner Brothers Golden Globe Awards after-party in Los Angeles, January
Why: The bubble hem, the elbow-length sleeves, the cascading flowers, and that stunning blue color made Ashley a knock-out at the biggest of the Golden Globes after-parties.
Who: Ashley Olsen
What: Alexander McQueen Fall 2006
Where: Art of Elysium charity ball in Los Angeles, January
Why: Just weeks before McQueen’s untimely death, Ashley Olsen reminded us of why we love the luxurious and dramatic looks of the famed designer.
The Label Loyalists: Alexa Chung, Diane Kruger, and Marion Cotillard
Who: Alexa Chung
What: Chanel Spring 2010
Where & When: Elle Style Awards in London, February
Why: Alexa showed off her hipster-chic style with her devotion to all things Chanel.
Who: Alexa Chung
What: Chanel Resort 2011
Where & When: Chanel boutique re-opening in Soho, September
Why: Alexa wisely minimized the accessories with this funky multi-print dress by her favorite designer.
Who: Diane Kruger
What: Jason Wu
Where & When: Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or Closing Ceremony, May
Why: For the Cannes closing ceremony, classic beauty is a must-have. Diane showed that a little bling and a lot of color can go a long way on the red carpet.
Who: Diane Kruger
What: Jason Wu
Where & When: Screen Actors Guild Awards in Hollywood, January
Why: This beautifully draped, one-shouldered mustard yellow gown shows off Diane’s effortless old Hollywood glamour.
Who: Marion Cotillard
What: Christian Dior Resort 2011
Where & When: Paris premiere of Inception, July
Why: You can’t beat a French woman at French fashion, especially in Paris! The black lace, stunning neckline, and voluminous silhouette are proof that sometimes, the French just do it best.
Who: Marion Cotillard
What: Christian Dior Spring 2010
Where & When: Golden Globe Awards in Hollywood, January
Why: Showing a little leg and a lot of style, Marion again represents her home country in an asymmetrical metallic and lace gown by Dior.
The Trend Setters: Kristen Stewart and Keira Knightley
Who: Kristen Stewart
What: Herve Leger by Max Azria Fall 2010
Where & When: Late Show with David Letterman in New York, June
Why: In a victory for grumpy pale girls everywhere, Kristen shows off her porcelain skin and never-ending legs in this one-sleeved modern LBD.
Who: Keira Knightley
What: Chanel Fall 2010 couture
Where & When: Opening night of the BFI London Film Festival, October
Why: Keira’s Chanel dress is revealing – note the sheerness of the neckline, waist, back and sleeves – but still incredibly classy. Proof that a dress strategically cut in all the right places can do wonders, especially on an already beautiful woman.
Best Variety: Cate Blanchett and Emma Watson
Who: Cate Blanchett
What: Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2010
Where & When: Opening night of Cannes Film Festival, May
Why: It’s rumored that Cate hand-selected this dramatic gown from the late designer, and she couldn’t have chosen a more unique look. It’s a rare woman who can pull off a black wedding gown with a giant eagle on it, but of course Cate makes it look chic.
Who: Cate Blanchett
What: Armani Prive Spring 2010 Couture
Where & When: Tony Awards in New York, June
Why: Some mocked this so-called Tin Man look, but Cate again proved that she dares to strut outside the box in her sexy silver suit.
Who: Cate Blanchett
What: vintage Christian Lacroix
Where & When: Gala in Beijing, September
Why: The dress speaks for itself. This work of art is one of the most extraordinary gowns I’ve ever seen.
Who: Emma Watson
What: Christopher Kane Fall 2010
Where & When: LONDON showROOMS closing party in New York, March
Why: Pre-pixie cut, Emma shows off her trendy style with this lace and floral dress by the Scottish designer.
Who: Emma Watson
What: Karl Lagerfeld Spring 2010
Where & When: National Movie Awards in London, May
Why: A dress is only as chic as the shoes you pair it with, and those Louboutins are chic as all hell. This sexy dress is just as stylish – notice the peek-a-boo keyhole and the super-short skirt!
Who: Emma Watson
What: custom Burberry
Where & When: Met Costume Institute Gala Benefit in New York, May
Why: At the biggest red carpet fashion event of the year, all eyes were on Emma, in the gown Burberry designer Christopher Bailey made just for her. The chunky black accessories helped keep this look less bridal and more youthful.
Who: Emma Watson
What: custom Calvin Klein
Where & When: New York premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I, November
Why: Shedding Hermione’s longer locks, Emma shows off her fabulous pixie cut and her minimalist style in yet another dress custom-made for her.
The Risk-Taker: Lady Gaga
Who: Lady Gaga
What: custom Armani Prive couture
Where & When: Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, January
Why: There was no bigger fashion risk-taker this year than the artist formerly known as Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, better known to us all as Lady Gaga.
Who: Lady Gaga
What: Alexander McQueen
Where & When: MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles, September
Why: One word: SHOES.
Who: Lady Gaga
What: Franc Fernandez
Where & When: MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles, September
Why: Was there a more talked-about fashion statement this year – or possibly even this decade – than Lady Gaga’s infamous meat dress? More importantly, this outfit led to my favorite Gaga quote of all time: “I never thought I’d be asking Cher to hold my meat purse.”
Super Starlets: Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, and Rachel Bilson
Who: Blake Lively
What: Marchesa Resort 2011
Where & When: Fashion’s Night Out in New York, September
Why: If you’ve got perfect tits and legs for days, all you need is a funky cocktail dress and a ponytail and you’re ready for the biggest event of New York Fashion Week.
Who: Blake Lively
What: Elie Saab Fall 2010
Where & When: Tiffany & Co. event in New York, September
Why: Blake has her finger on the pulse of 2010’s hottest trends: lace, elbow-length sleeves, and flapper-style fringe.
Who: Blake Lively
What: Chanel Fall 2010 Couture
Where & When: Toronto Film Festival, September
Why: This is my idea of a perfect cocktail dress. I love the flower embellishments around her hips, and the ruby-red color of the dress really pops with that red cocktail ring and matching red lipstick.
Who: Leighton Meester
What: Marc Jacobs Resort 2011
Where & When: V Magazine’s New York Issue Party, September
Why: The pink blush on her cheeks matches the pink in the dress – what a genius move by Leighton’s stylist! Blake’s Gossip Girl co-star looks more beautiful than ever in this fabulous springtime number. (Although, is it a trick of the light, or can you see her nipples?)
Who: Rachel Bilson
What: Christian Dior Spring 2010
Where & When: Spike TV Video Game Awards in Los Angeles, December
Why: Nobody does effortless, youthful style quite like Rachel Bilson. Her stylist’s decision to do an ivory underlay was genius – even better than the runway version. And the little bows on those heels? Perfection.
Who: Rachel Bilson
What: Roberto Cavalli Pre-Fall 2010
Where & When: Roberto Cavalli’s 40th Anniversary Party during Paris Fashion Week, September
Why: A sexy, flowing leopard-print gown is a lot of look, but the red purse as the sole accessory is phenomenal. I love Rachel’s street style and casual wear, but with this look she proved that she’s a formal red carpet force to be reckoned with.
The A-Listers: Michelle Obama, Anne Hathaway, Natalie Portman, and Lea Michele
Who: First Lady Michelle Obama
What: Peter Sorensen
Where & When: State Dinner at the White House, May
Why: Who says the FLOTUS can’t be sexy? Hot Mama Obama shows off the famous First Guns in this glamorous gown.
Who: First Lady Michelle Obama
What: Michael Kors
Where & When: Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Phoenix Awards in DC, September
Why: All politics aside, no one can deny that the Obamas are one stylish couple. The First Lady is absolutely glowing in her red halter gown.
Who: First Lady Michelle Obama
What: Naeem Khan
Where & When: Kennedy Center Honors in DC, December
Why: She’s the Jackie O of the 21st century.
Who: Anne Hathaway
What: Antonio Berardi
Where & When: Hollywood premiere of Love & Other Drugs, November
Why: You can always depend on Anne for a classic, beautiful red carpet look. Flawless hair and makeup and the world’s best smile take this chic little dress to a whole new level.
Who: Anne Hathaway
What: Valentino Pre-Fall 2010
Where & When: Met Costume Institute Gala Benefit in New York, May
Why: This photo is the definition of Hollywood glitz and glamour.
Who: Anne Hathaway
What: Oscar de la Renta Spring 2011
Where & When: Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Norway, December
Why: The unique print and silhouette of this one-shouldered gown are stunning. From head to toe, this look is clean, classic, and incredibly beautiful.
Who: Natalie Portman
What: Rodarte
Where & When: Venice Film Festival screening of Black Swan, September
Why: Rodarte designers Laura and Kate Mulleavy created the ballet costumes in Black Swan, so this red carpet shout-out to the label was particularly lovely. As if the film wasn’t garnering enough buzz on its own, Natalie got the world talking about her once again in this jaw-dropping red gown.
Who: Natalie Portman
What: Lanvin
Where & When: Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Governor’s Awards in Hollywood, November
Why: Natalie’s stylist has been working overtime lately as Natalie promotes Black Swan on every red carpet in the universe. But clearly she’s not losing her touch, because this purple asymmetrical draped gown is simply fabulous. And we all know that best-dressed list without Lanvin is no best-dressed list at all.
Who: Lea Michele
What: Oscar de la Renta Fall 2005
Where & When: Golden Globe Awards in Hollywood, January
Why: The Glee star started the year off with a bang. This gown announced Lea’s status as New Diva on the Block and proved that this pint-sized star is chock full of fabulous.
Who: Lea Michele
What: Catherine Malandrino Spring 2010
Where & When: Screen Actors Guild Awards in Hollywood, January
Why: This gown single-handedly created Lea Michele’s image as a sex symbol. The long, wavy locks, the dramatic makeup, the plunging neckline, the cinched waist, that intriguing green color – every element of this look is perfection.

Who: Lea Michele
What: custom Zac Posen
Where & When: Tony Awards in New York, June
Why: Donning another daring, brilliant color, this Broadway vet absolutely stunned on the Tonys red carpet. Lea’s dress flatters her teensy little figure so beautifully.
Who: Lea Michele
What: Oscar de la Renta Resort 2011
Where & When: Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, August
Why: If ever there was a look that said, “Worship me, bitches! I have ARRIVED!” – it’s this one.
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© Democracy Diva, 2010.
The Week in Celebrity Fashion
The Busiest Divas in the Business
It looks better sitting than standing, possibly because the top is more beautiful than the bottom, or possibly because Ms. Hayek looks a bit more of a hot mess in the last picture. But definitely a dress worthy of the front row at Paris Fashion Week.
… and then, there’s this. Is she kidding with those pants? How am I supposed to take them seriously? I don’t care how hot you are, you’re not going to be able to pull off giant baggy red-and-black color-blocked pants.
Someone got a fierce new haircut! Definitely loving the bob, and she’s decked out perfectly for the Chanel show, complete with the signature purse and stunning shoes.
Not as impressive as the Chanel getup, and I’m not sure how these two pieces go together, but I like seeing the new bob done wavy. The blouse is nice enough, but the skirt is a little tacky. Again, though, I approve of the shoes.
I remember drooling over this dress months ago, but I never knew what the back of it looked like until I saw this photo. As if I weren’t already obsessed with this dress, the back is simply spectacular. But can Keira actually smile? Her lips are pursed like she just swallowed a lemon in every single picture. Honey, you’re thin as a rail, your haircut is fierce, you’re rich, and you’re wearing Chanel. Smile.
Cute dress, but that hair is the reason pixie cuts are generally a mistake. Because in the interim period between the pixie and when it’s fully grown out, your hair nearly always looks stupid.
Oof. Even worse hair, and a far worse dress. And this bitch won’t smile either? What is wrong with these ladies?
Wow. I never thought I’d say this, but Courtney Love actually looks… classy. Seriously. The dress is mature but still gorgeous, the coat is ridiculously gorgeous, she’s wearing pearls, and the bitch even styled her hair and makeup like a normal person! What is happening to the world when Courtney friggin’ Love looks this good?
Oh, there we go. That’s much better. This is the Courtney we know and Love (pun intended) – Courtney, the hottest mess on the red carpet.
Cute, but perhaps a little too conservative. I know Mormon chic is a thing, but this looks far too covered up. But the shoes are killer.
It looks way cuter on Alexa than it did on Blake Lively in July – further proof that skin-tight dresses don’t necessarily look better than dresses that actually fit. Ms. Chung is absolutely nailing this adorable little dress.
I usually try to forget Sienna Miller is a person, but I must admit she looks mighty fierce here. Good hair, good makeup, a killer skirt, and a sweet blazer. It’s all simple but totally chic, and it reminds me that Ms. Miller can dress like a classy-sassy broad.
And then I see this dress, which screams “I was that drunk topless biddie fucking someone else’s husband on a boat!”
Oh, good lord. This is what you’re wearing to promote yourself as a fashion designer? The world’s largest pants, a weird scarf attached to a shirt, an ill-fitting vest, and the ugliest hat you could find? I mean, I know you’re in Canada, so the rules are different there, but this is an internationally recognized hot disaster.
Adorable. I wish she dressed like this more often instead of always wearing over-sized, over-flowing hippie dresses. She looks so adorable in things that are a little more structured and have more texture to them. I’d wear this fab little sweaterdress every day.
Fashion Dos and Don’ts
Oh hey, Fleur Delacour! You’re looking mighty fierce. The darker hair is working for you and the outfit, like all good French fashion, is minimalist but incredibly fabulous. I hope you’re also planning on donning Chanel at your upcoming wedding to Bill Weasley. Even the Death Eaters would have to stop killing bitches long enough to say “Dayummm, girl! You lookin’ fiiiine!”
I don’t know who this woman is, but I do know that I already blogged about how awful this dress is when Katie Holmes wore it last week. And it doesn’t look any better on this biddie than it did on Joey Potter.
Well, this is perfect. I’d expect nothing less than classy glamour from Dita, but she is really nailing this dress. Love the black-on-black detailing, the sleeves, the neckline, the shoes, the sunglasses – it’s all coming together beautifully.
I honestly did not believe that this was Marion Cotillard when I saw this picture. To me, she’s one of those women who epitomizes simple elegance, and this look is anything but. The hair and makeup are trashy and tacky as can be, the dress is horrible, and WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH HER BREASTS? Why hasn’t Hollywood learned that two beach balls stapled to your chest don’t actually look good? What a disappointment.
See, the problem with white-blonde hair is that sometimes, it just looks white. And when you pair that with a matronly dress and makeup that ages you, you can end up looking approximately 85 years old. But the shoes are awesome – are they half leopard print, half zebra print? Because that is absolutely killer.
Dakota Fanning, you’re not the only fabulous child prodigy on the block! Little Miss Sunshine is looking pretty fierce with her gorgeous auburn hair, brown-and-black striped dress, and fab accessories. I’m looking forward to seeing more like this from Ms. Breslin.
SJP is a new exec at Halston, so don’t expect her to be wearing anything else on the red carpet this year. But this is still pretty darn chic. It’s Carrie Bradshaw-level fabulosity, and those stockings are to die for. Love the hair, and she looks younger than she has in recent years. Keep it up, Sarah Jessica!
You be the Diva! Who’s in and who’s out?
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© Democracy Diva, 2010.
The Week in Fashion
It’s New York Fashion Week! And although I’m not blogging about the collections quite yet, there’s still a lot of fabulous happening on the red carpet, in the front rows of the fashion shows, and in the magazines this week. So let’s get started!
Editorials: Divas in the News
I am fully in love with this picture. Glamour should have chosen it for the cover, but of course they went with one where she’s not wearing pants. Sigh. Regardless, there’s something so fabulously A Chorus Line about this outfit. Totally what you’d expect a Broadway star to be lounging around in on her day off. And the bangs, the eyes, the lips – she’s looking totally gorgeous.
Lady Gaga as the Statue of Liberty, half naked, in front of a shopping cart, with Marc Jacobs sitting on a television next to her. I can’t say I get it, but I certainly like it.
I am loving this cover. Perfect pose, perfect make-up, fabulous nails, and her smokin’ body is covered in raw meat. Gaga knows how to get people to pay attention, and this is a perfect example of that quality. And if anybody can rock a raw meat ensemble, it’s Lady Gaga. She makes it look like fashion.
The Venice Film Festival
I don’t like the hair and I probably wouldn’t have chosen white shoes, but everything else about this look is simply gorgeous. The dress is sexy as hell but not revealing; it feels like classic red carpet Hollywood but has all sorts of tricks and complexities to it. The straps and shoulders and the bodice are just stunning, and as usual, Natalie looks like an Israeli goddess.
Why, Jessica? Why is your skirt so much longer in the back than in the front? Is this a white trash themed costume party and your dress is a coy reference to the mullet? There is just nothing attractive about a mullet skirt, honey.
That right-to-the-elbow sleeve length keeps popping up and I’m fully obsessed with it. And although this is a blah color, Michelle is absolutely rocking this. I’m a little over the neck bow trend – Kate Beckinsale and Carey Mulligan wore them all over Cannes – but I still think this is just precious and classy and it still maintains Michelle’s hipster-chic aesthetic.
Perfection. I’d wear that dress in a heartbeat, and those shoes are killer. She could not be cuter.
Parisian chic at its best, our very own Fleur Delacour is rocking a look that always looks better on French girls. A silk shirt with a giant bow tucked into a blue skirt, plus sex hair and barely-there makeup? Simply beautiful.
Fashion Elite at New York Fashion Week
Oy. Well, at least the shoes are cute. The rest is just too much. Sloppy hair and all that fabric? Plus a belt over it? She looks like she’s in a slutty chicken suit.
I’m pretty sure I’ve never before seen Blake in an outfit that didn’t expose her boobs and/or legs. So I respect the attempt to cover up, and the Mary Jane shoes are awesome, but this dress is beyond tacky. And blow dry your fucking hair before you go to a Chanel fashion week party. Show some respect.
Okay, you win. I’m obsessed with this. Showing a lot of leg and a bit of boob, like Lively always should. That print is beyond gorgeous, the bracelets are kickass, the shoes are fierce, and I like the makeup. I think she’s always absurdly lazy about her hair, which is why she’s rocking a pony, but at least it works.
Well, this is fugly. Like, so fugly I wouldn’t even wear it as a Halloween costume. It’s glorified underwear, and worse than that, it just looks cheap and tacky. If you want to go out on the town half-naked, so be it, but your outfit still has to be chic and fabulous, and this is NOT.
Another epic print and adorable silhouette by the lovely and talented Christian Siriano. (Although the blogosphere is saying his collection this week was underwhelming… but we’ll get to that in a few posts.) I love this dress because it’s effortless – it does all the work for Maggie. Just throw on heels and eyeliner and you’re ready to go.
Miscellaneous Fabulous and Fugly
Hello, teeny little waist! America Ferrera looks completely amazing in this dress. I’m obsessed with the sleeves and collar, the skinny belt is perfect, the length is super-flattering, and the accessories are simple and perfect. I think every professional woman should have this dress hanging in their closet.
Jessica is modeling her own design, so there is no one to blame for this atrocity except for Jessica herself. I am getting physically ill at the sight of that cheap denim with the tacky gold zippers and buttons. This is denim at its worst.
It’s pretty easy to always look great when you’re blonde and blue-eyed and approximately eleven pounds, like 30 Rock‘s Cerie. But Katrina keeps cropping up on best-dressed lists, and this dress proves she deserves it. Another adorable and unique print, which is always nice to see. She could use a necklace, bracelet, or purse – just something to make her look less naked. But this is a fabulous little number.
Dear Kim:
What, what, what are you doing? Look at those leggings. Look at your choices.
Love,
The Democracy Diva
I’ve blogged about dresses nearly identical to this twice so far – Chloe Sevigny rocked one at the Met Gala, and Eva Mendes wore it in July 2010. So I’m a little bit over this, but I still think a long-sleeved cocktail dress is a wonderful thing. And even though it’s overdone, the color and print are beautiful. But can we please talk about Lea’s hair? This better be for Glee, because if Lea is actually choosing to wear those horribly distracting highlights/extensions, this may be the end of my love affair with her. (Just kidding. I’ll always love you, Lea.)
—
I’m working on your fashion week posts as we speak! Stay up-to-date by following me on twitter @democracydiva!
New York Fashion Week’s Best Trend: The West
Welcome to the wild, wild west.
Farmers, cowboys, and Native Americans were the inspiration for many fabulous ensembles and even entire collections this season. Dozens of designers took the themes of the west to the runway this week, so I’d like to take a look at their different interpretations of the west.
The Cowboys
Some designers emphasized cowboy-style shirts, buttoned up to the neck, as an homage to the west.

Zac Posen Fall 2010
Posen went simple, elegant, and trendy with his satin urban cowgirl (and her particularly adorable shoes).
Herchcovitch went more exaggerated and less wearable than Posen, but did a nice contrast of the hard studs with that beautiful purple print to nail the gritty-meets-pretty, cowgirl style.
The Period Pieces
Other designers weren’t afraid to go costumey, and dressed their models in full-on prairie girl and Native American garments.
Theallet’s model is straight off of the Oregon Trail, just with more cleavage and less petticoats. Well done.
I could do without the colored strings tied around her waist, but I love Rast’s indigenous feel, the beaded accessories, and their contrast to the combat-meets-couture boots.
Native Meets Modern
A few designers threw in just a little element of Native American style into an otherwise modern look.
I doubt this lady had a curling iron and slim-fitting corduroys on the reservation in the 19th century, but the beaded top is simply beautiful.
This was certainly the most surprising and innovative use of the west; Rodarte went daring with a bright, traditionally western print in an otherwise soft and modern outfit.
A Class of Her Own
But nobody, and I mean nobody, did the west the way my girl Betsey did.
She’s got Betsey’s interpretation of a cowboy hat, a gangster’s mask, a sherrif’s badge, and a toy gun. Leave it to Betsey to throw all those contradictions together and call it an outfit.























































































