Runway Report: Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2012

Nonna Chic

Farmer's Market Goes Couture: Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012

Spring 2012 Milan Fashion Week just ended and one of the highlights was of course, the Dolce & Gabbana Show. As you know, D&G is finito, done. And with that, naturally there was lots of editorial, buyer and press interest on what designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana would show for Spring 2012. Here's a given: We know that Dolce & Gabbana really know how to play with a theme. They pick one and run with it. They might be holding a Campari with Soda as their running...but they're running nonetheless. You MUST watch the video (Below after the photos) to get the whole effect of the show. Let's just say that only Dolce & Gabbana could create a theme that could only be referred to as "Grandma Chic" or Nonna Chic!

Grandma's Here...And She's Looking for Cocktails: Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012

For Spring 2012, they showed lots of printed EVERYTHING--from bra tops, pleated dirndl skirts, rompers, swimsuits, and Ladies-Who-Lunch sheath dresses and suits. There was also lots of heavy applique lace...

Plastic skirts, suits and even coats, Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012

Lace and even POM POMS, Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012

Sequin Ragazze: Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012

And of course, LOTS of sequins, in every variety--from heavy be-jeweled ones to cluttered multi-colored ones. Sequins and LOTS of them, are a HUGE Spring 2012 Trend and they were right there! Front Row and Center! The accessories were also the Stars. Take a look at the crochet, lace and plastic pumps. No really, take a look, because the FIERCEST of Fashionistas will be, no doubt, wearing them next Spring/Summer:

Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012

And of course, there were the purses. I have a feeling that Domenico and Stefano sent their Design Assistants to peruse a whole lot of "vintage"/second-hand stores from New Jersey to Wisconsin--to find "inspiration" in these purses. They are so "old School" Church Lady"/Grandma, all that she's missing is her mini-bible from 1963:

Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012

Click Below for the Full Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012 Runway Show:

Runway Report: Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2012

Nonna Chic

Farmer's Market Goes Couture: Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012

Spring 2012 Milan Fashion Week just ended and one of the highlights was of course, the Dolce & Gabbana Show. As you know, D&G is finito, done. And with that, naturally there was lots of editorial, buyer and press interest on what designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana would show for Spring 2012. Here's a given: We know that Dolce & Gabbana really know how to play with a theme. They pick one and run with it. They might be holding a Campari with Soda as their running...but they're running nonetheless. You MUST watch the video (Below after the photos) to get the whole effect of the show. Let's just say that only Dolce & Gabbana could create a theme that could only be referred to as "Grandma Chic" or Nonna Chic!

Grandma's Here...And She's Looking for Cocktails: Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012

For Spring 2012, they showed lots of printed EVERYTHING--from bra tops, pleated dirndl skirts, rompers, swimsuits, and Ladies-Who-Lunch sheath dresses and suits. There was also lots of heavy applique lace...

Plastic skirts, suits and even coats, Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012

Lace and even POM POMS, Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012

Sequin Ragazze: Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012

And of course, LOTS of sequins, in every variety--from heavy be-jeweled ones to cluttered multi-colored ones. Sequins and LOTS of them, are a HUGE Spring 2012 Trend and they were right there! Front Row and Center! The accessories were also the Stars. Take a look at the crochet, lace and plastic pumps. No really, take a look, because the FIERCEST of Fashionistas will be, no doubt, wearing them next Spring/Summer:

Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012

And of course, there were the purses. I have a feeling that Domenico and Stefano sent their Design Assistants to peruse a whole lot of "vintage"/second-hand stores from New Jersey to Wisconsin--to find "inspiration" in these purses. They are so "old School" Church Lady"/Grandma, all that she's missing is her mini-bible from 1963:

Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012

Click Below for the Full Dolce & Gabbana Spring 2012 Runway Show:

Runway Report: Versace Spring/Summer 2012

Grommets, Studs, Seashell Motifs...It's Versace 1992 all over again...And I LOVE IT!

Versace Spring 2012

Last week, Donatella Versace showed her latest Spring 2012 Collection for the House of Versace in the gorgeous garden at the Via Gesù show space. The collection was very "Retro Versace". Like I had seen it before somewhere...

It's All About 1992: Versace Couture 1992 above on Naomi, Stephanie and Yasmeen--and on Lady Gaga

I had. The Versace Spring 2012 Collection had many motifs and style elements from that much-Lady Gaga loved Versace Couture 1992 time period (she's been spotted wearing A LOT from those collections lately). The grommets, the silver and gold studs, the heavily cluttered sequins, the seashell prints and motifs...

Seashell Retro: Versace Spring/Summer 1992

Donatella went back to the Versace Archives (as well she should, maybe inspired by Miss Gaga) and really referenced those years in particular for this collection. And what a surprise, they looked "fresh and new", especially to those "kids" who were probably 3 when those collections came out! But I remember darlings--I could never forget Naomi Campbell, Stephanie Seymour, Karen Mulder and Yasmeen Ghauri in those seashell printed swimsuits and those leather and gold studded gowns!!!

Versace Spring 2012

But back to the present: Versace Spring 2012 showed lots of light "candy sorbet" colors--the light blues, the lemon yellows, the aqua-greens. Lots of luscious draped and shirred silk jersey and silk chiffon added to the "prettiness".

Versace Spring 2012

And yes, those 1992'esque black gold studded skirts and tops and Seashell-motif sequined applique. Donatella also played with some asymmetry, especially with chiffon "overlay" that would "half" cover a simple and elegant sheath dress or a skirt.

Versace Spring 2012

Gowns were seductive, sexy and oh-so-Versace Red Carpet. Also in those light candy-sorbet colors. The grommeting and studded sequin detail was followed through to the final runway-stomping gowns. Now speaking of Runway Stomping...There was a "Model Down":


Poor Lindsey Wixson (American, famous for her "bee-stung" lips) came crashing down almost at the end of the Versace Spring 2012 show. Lindsey happens to be one of Donatella's faves--if not her "Muse", but the 17 year old (A Muse at 17??) came tumbling down as she tried to maneuver those towering 8" lucite stilletto wedge platforms.

She did get back up and instead of running as fast as she could out of the runway, she continued her walk with "Victory" thumbs-up hand signs. Nice Recovery Girl!!!!

If you want to see the stumble--and the Entire Versace Spring 2012 Collection Runway Video, Click Below:

Runway Report: Versace Spring/Summer 2012

Grommets, Studs, Seashell Motifs...It's Versace 1992 all over again...And I LOVE IT!

Versace Spring 2012

Last week, Donatella Versace showed her latest Spring 2012 Collection for the House of Versace in the gorgeous garden at the Via Gesù show space. The collection was very "Retro Versace". Like I had seen it before somewhere...

It's All About 1992: Versace Couture 1992 above on Naomi, Stephanie and Yasmeen--and on Lady Gaga

I had. The Versace Spring 2012 Collection had many motifs and style elements from that much-Lady Gaga loved Versace Couture 1992 time period (she's been spotted wearing A LOT from those collections lately). The grommets, the silver and gold studs, the heavily cluttered sequins, the seashell prints and motifs...

Seashell Retro: Versace Spring/Summer 1992

Donatella went back to the Versace Archives (as well she should, maybe inspired by Miss Gaga) and really referenced those years in particular for this collection. And what a surprise, they looked "fresh and new", especially to those "kids" who were probably 3 when those collections came out! But I remember darlings--I could never forget Naomi Campbell, Stephanie Seymour, Karen Mulder and Yasmeen Ghauri in those seashell printed swimsuits and those leather and gold studded gowns!!!

Versace Spring 2012

But back to the present: Versace Spring 2012 showed lots of light "candy sorbet" colors--the light blues, the lemon yellows, the aqua-greens. Lots of luscious draped and shirred silk jersey and silk chiffon added to the "prettiness".

Versace Spring 2012

And yes, those 1992'esque black gold studded skirts and tops and Seashell-motif sequined applique. Donatella also played with some asymmetry, especially with chiffon "overlay" that would "half" cover a simple and elegant sheath dress or a skirt.

Versace Spring 2012

Gowns were seductive, sexy and oh-so-Versace Red Carpet. Also in those light candy-sorbet colors. The grommeting and studded sequin detail was followed through to the final runway-stomping gowns. Now speaking of Runway Stomping...There was a "Model Down":


Poor Lindsey Wixson (American, famous for her "bee-stung" lips) came crashing down almost at the end of the Versace Spring 2012 show. Lindsey happens to be one of Donatella's faves--if not her "Muse", but the 17 year old (A Muse at 17??) came tumbling down as she tried to maneuver those towering 8" lucite stilletto wedge platforms.

She did get back up and instead of running as fast as she could out of the runway, she continued her walk with "Victory" thumbs-up hand signs. Nice Recovery Girl!!!!

If you want to see the stumble--and the Entire Versace Spring 2012 Collection Runway Video, Click Below:

Runway Report: Gucci Spring 2012--Photos + Full Runway Video!

New Color Blocking, 20's Flapper Dresses, Beading Galore and Lots of Chic Luxe Clothes...

Gucci Spring 2012

Wow, Designer Frida Giannini has done it again for the House of Gucci. From the first look on the runway--modeled by the gorgeous Joan Smalls, it was "I'll take That, That, That, oh and That...." Or at least if I was a wife--or girlfriend of a very rich Euro--that's what I would be saying. Gucci is celebrating its 90th Anniversary in Florence and as Style.com editor Nicole Phelps put it: "...the evening clothes in particular will ensure that Gucci's 91st year, like so many before it, is a success". For Spring 2012, it was about Art Deco motifs, architectural shapes, color-blocked designs and loose off-the-body drop waisted dresses.

Gucci Spring 2012

Great tailored jackets with dangling gold chain closures, as well as Resort-y harem pants. I can just see Victoria Beckham disembarking from her British Airways First Class transatlantic flight in one of those ensembles. Sunglasses and all...

Gucci Spring 2012

No floor-length evening gowns (Frida saves those for her Gucci Premiere Couture Atelier), but there were lots of loose tunic 20's style cocktail dresses, perfect for the girl who doesn't want to go the "Herve Leger tight" route and also so right on Trend. They also had some great "Open" backs (another Spring 2012 Trend).

Gucci Spring 2012: The final paillette and bugle beaded "Flapper Dresses" were fantastic with a 70's Liza Minnelli vibe.

The Backs at Gucci Spring 2012

The Gold Strappy Heel at Gucci Spring 2012

Click Below for Gucci Spring 2012 Full Runway Video:

Runway Report: Gucci Spring 2012--Photos + Full Runway Video!

New Color Blocking, 20's Flapper Dresses, Beading Galore and Lots of Chic Luxe Clothes...

Gucci Spring 2012

Wow, Designer Frida Giannini has done it again for the House of Gucci. From the first look on the runway--modeled by the gorgeous Joan Smalls, it was "I'll take That, That, That, oh and That...." Or at least if I was a wife--or girlfriend of a very rich Euro--that's what I would be saying. Gucci is celebrating its 90th Anniversary in Florence and as Style.com editor Nicole Phelps put it: "...the evening clothes in particular will ensure that Gucci's 91st year, like so many before it, is a success". For Spring 2012, it was about Art Deco motifs, architectural shapes, color-blocked designs and loose off-the-body drop waisted dresses.

Gucci Spring 2012

Great tailored jackets with dangling gold chain closures, as well as Resort-y harem pants. I can just see Victoria Beckham disembarking from her British Airways First Class transatlantic flight in one of those ensembles. Sunglasses and all...

Gucci Spring 2012

No floor-length evening gowns (Frida saves those for her Gucci Premiere Couture Atelier), but there were lots of loose tunic 20's style cocktail dresses, perfect for the girl who doesn't want to go the "Herve Leger tight" route and also so right on Trend. They also had some great "Open" backs (another Spring 2012 Trend).

Gucci Spring 2012: The final paillette and bugle beaded "Flapper Dresses" were fantastic with a 70's Liza Minnelli vibe.

The Backs at Gucci Spring 2012

The Gold Strappy Heel at Gucci Spring 2012

Click Below for Gucci Spring 2012 Full Runway Video:

Red Carpet Report: 2011 Teen Choice Awards--The Leather Gals!!

Trend Report: Leather Dresses



Several gals wore leather on the Teen Choice 2011 red carpet (OK, it was BLUE!). It was a nice and balmy 70-something degrees in Universal City yesterday but that didn't stop the "Leather Fashion Brigade". Let's take a look:



Blake Lively in Gucci Resort 2012: Blake chose a very fitted sheath pale orange leather dress from the House of Gucci and their Resort 2012 collection (yes, kids, we are still in 2011!). I think she looks great. Nice accessories, nice pointy-toe pumps. Very 1950's chic. A Tippi Hedren up-do would have taken it from "Nice" to FAB-u-Lous!



Elizabeth Banks in J Mendel Resort 2012: Actress Elizabeth Banks also wore leather--and very nicely. Gilles Mendel is one of my favorite designers and of course: LUV his J Mendel line. The dress is edgy and fun at the same time. The tangerine color is perfect for the BLUE Carpet and I'm also a fan of the asymmetrical leather panel "cascades". It just turned this otherwise "basic" leather dress into something far more interesting.



How NOT to do Leather:



Choreographer (and Yelling Queen) Mary Murphy of "So You Think You Can Dance": No. No. And No. Oh Mary. She looks like the Hostess at a Hofbrau somewhere in a seedy part of Munich or like she works at a Meat-Packing Company somewhere in Kansas City. Who. Told. Her. To. Wear. This? And then with those 2008-looking peep-toe boots. Step off the blue carpet and go get me a flank steak...and some German Beer!!!

Red Carpet Report: 2011 Teen Choice Awards--The Leather Gals!!

Trend Report: Leather Dresses



Several gals wore leather on the Teen Choice 2011 red carpet (OK, it was BLUE!). It was a nice and balmy 70-something degrees in Universal City yesterday but that didn't stop the "Leather Fashion Brigade". Let's take a look:



Blake Lively in Gucci Resort 2012: Blake chose a very fitted sheath pale orange leather dress from the House of Gucci and their Resort 2012 collection (yes, kids, we are still in 2011!). I think she looks great. Nice accessories, nice pointy-toe pumps. Very 1950's chic. A Tippi Hedren up-do would have taken it from "Nice" to FAB-u-Lous!



Elizabeth Banks in J Mendel Resort 2012: Actress Elizabeth Banks also wore leather--and very nicely. Gilles Mendel is one of my favorite designers and of course: LUV his J Mendel line. The dress is edgy and fun at the same time. The tangerine color is perfect for the BLUE Carpet and I'm also a fan of the asymmetrical leather panel "cascades". It just turned this otherwise "basic" leather dress into something far more interesting.



How NOT to do Leather:



Choreographer (and Yelling Queen) Mary Murphy of "So You Think You Can Dance": No. No. And No. Oh Mary. She looks like the Hostess at a Hofbrau somewhere in a seedy part of Munich or like she works at a Meat-Packing Company somewhere in Kansas City. Who. Told. Her. To. Wear. This? And then with those 2008-looking peep-toe boots. Step off the blue carpet and go get me a flank steak...and some German Beer!!!

Runway Report: Paris Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011 Fashion Week--Elie Saab

Baby Got Couture Back

Ice, Ice Baby: Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

Elie Saab is criticized for making collections that are safe and often repetitive. Often you could interchange one season for another and not really tell the difference. This collection is no exception in that Saab sticks to his trademark of sending out beautifully crafted gowns and cocktail dresses that look as if they are floating down the runway.

I, for one, have no problem with his aesthetic and I am sure his many clients in Dubai and China don't mind it either. Yes, while watching the video you do get a bit glassy eyed from all the continuous hand beaded concoctions, but the House of Elie Saab is certainly giving all there couture clients (and Red Carpet Actresses) plenty of options, and letting them feel comfortable that their dress will be unique from the others.

Ballerina Chic: Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

For Fall/Winter 2011 (Yes, this is Saab's version of Fall! No fur and wool for this client!) there were a few themes that stood out in the collection. Elie made the beading lighter and more transparent with breathtaking beading on the most delicate chiffon that he draped and pleated across the body. Also, there was a Ballerina feel to his cocktail dresses with short skirts that were pleated and full. This might be a Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture trend alert.

Caplet Queen: Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

Probably the most standout trend of the collection was the open backs on many of the dresses. Unfortunately not apparent in the photos (make sure to watch the video below), the gowns and cocktail dresses had stunning backs that were completely open, delicately draped or open with delicate shear caplets.

Below are more looks from the collection:

Bronze and Beaded: Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

Blouson Couture: Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

Blue Shear: Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

One Shoulder Goddess: Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

Click below to watch the entire Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011 Runway Show: