FashionIndie » elie saab

Cannes Red Carpet Trend: Putting on the Ritz

Amanda Gabriele — Mon, 21 May 2012 13:25:42 +0000

We are well into the fifth day of Cannes Film Festival 2012, and the red carpet is alive with celebrities in couture. So far, we’ve seen the black ball gown make numerous appearances at premieres and parties, an elegant choice for the French festival. Now it’s time for these style stars to put on the ritz. Sequins and beading have been trending on the Cannes red carpet these last fews days, and you know we can’t resist a diva in sparkles. From the parties to the premieres, it’s all about the glitz and the glamour.

Diane Kruger in Vivienne Westwood

Jada Pinkett Smith in Emilio Pucci

Gemma Arterton in Gucci

Jessica Chastain in Gucci

Jane Fonda in Roberto Cavalli

Naomi Watts in Gucci

Jada Pinkett Smith in Atelier Versace

Salma Hayek in Gucci

Jane Fonda in Atelier Versace

Salma Hayek in Gucci

Paz Vega in Giorgio Armani

Fan Bingbing in Elie Saab

Paris Fashion Week Packs in the Trends & Carries Them For You

Jessica Lapidos — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 19:28:26 +0000

And the French get the final say. Paris Fashion Week has drawn to a close and we’ve sifted the runways for the trends that will affect your wardrobe come September, or sooner. Designers have squared off, whited out, and swept their competition. Karl Lagerfeld and Marc Jacobs were on some similar wavelengths for the new silhouette of Chanel and Louis Vuitton. Ann Demeulemeester and Gareth Pugh finally got coordinating dragon tattoos. Meanwhile, the leg bomber strikes again and we’re still highlighting the hot outline. Now, follow the bell hop to the trends of Fall 2012.

Between Superman Lagerfeld's fixation on crystals and Giambatista Valli's kinked stripes, cubic patterns jump forth geometrically from Paris.

Cubism Movement

We've well worn the leggings under skirts look, now go for boot cut, center pressed trousers.

The Skirt's Trouser Snake

Lisbeth Salander got a tattoo that sent the whole fashion world into gothic leather. Not that Mugler and Gareth Pugh wouldn't have gotten their without her help.

Lisbethan Leather

The outlining trend has carried through Fall 2012, as its body shaping properties are out of this world. Rei Kawakubo, meanwhile, has taken the stroke density to an epic level.

Outline, Take Notes

Perhaps it was the staggering lack of snow this season that has led so many designers to dream of a white winter.

Next fall, you might take a side job as a street sweeper. Or hire someone to carry your jacket's train. Coats are hitting the ground and billowing out in a righteous way.

Angelina Jolie's leg bomber followed Fashion Week to Paris and continued deploying bare gam splits.

Time for a second job, or a sugar daddy, or for your million dollar idea to actualize; the hottest trend is having a personal porter/bellboy/man servent. How chic!

INDIE REWIND: The 10 Greatest Oscar Gowns of All Time

Lester Brathwaite — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 18:54:21 +0000

The Academy Awards are this Sunday which means that Meryl Streep is sticking pins in her Viola Davis vooodoo doll, George Clooney is readying his smug acceptance speech and Brad Pitt is scraping the last Jolie-Pitt scion off his scraggly goatee in preparation for the big night. So in celebration and in anticipation, we present to you an oldie but a goodie: The 10 Greatest Oscar Gowns…wait for it…OF ALL TIME.

So what is a great Oscar gown? It’s a dress that is memorable, history-making, scene-stealing or just plain fucking perfect. With that, I just don’t get the fuss over Gwyneth Paltrow’s pink prom dress and refuse to even acknowledge that gown or the fact that she has an Oscar.

Audrey Hepburn (1954) Auds became a star and a fashion icon that night when she wore Givenchy, beginning a lifetime collaboration between the star and designer. Along with America's heart, she took home the Best Actress trophy for her debut performance in Roman Holiday.

Grace Kelly (1956) This was no doubt the look Gwyneth was going for when she strolled the red carpet in that wrinkled princess confection in 1999, but make no bones about it, this is how it's done kids. Kelly beat out some major competition the year before -- including Judy Garland and Dorothy Dandridge -- to nab her Best Actress Oscar for The Country Girl, but she really stole the show in this Helen Rose stunner.

Elizabeth Taylor (1961) In the pantheon of great movie stars, few shone brighter or longer than Liz Taylor, thus a list of the greatest Oscar gowns could barely be considered legitimate without Liz throwing her white diamonds into the mix -- I hear they've always brought her luck. Taylor won her first of two Oscars for BUtterfield 8 and wore this gorgeous Christian Dior number to claim her statuette. It's generally accepted -- even by Liz herself -- that Taylor won the award through a vote of sympathy after losing her husband Mike Todd in a plane crash -- only to seek comfort with Debbie Reynolds' then-husband Eddie Fisher -- and suffering a life-threatening illness during filming - at one point she was actually pronounced dead. Six years later she took home a well-deserved trophy for Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Barbra Streisand (1969) Eschewing tradition and helping to usher in a new generation of movie star, Babs wore a see-through sequined sailor pantsuit by Arnold Scaasi. It was a big gamble but La Streisand came out the winner and made history by tying for Best Actress with Katharine Hepburn when they won for Funny Girl and Lion in Winter, respectively. Kate chose not to attend because, honestly, it was her third (of four) Oscars and she couldn't have been bothered.

Cher (1984) Cher might have proved that she was a serious actress with her Oscar-nominated turn as Meryl Streep's lesbian lover in Silkwood, but she's still fucking Cher. The icon wore Bob Mackie (natch) to the 1984 ceremony but lost only to win three years later for Moonstruck. And that gown was no less show-stopping, but didn't have this amazing headdress.

Nicole Kidman (1997) Nikki Kids was a greenhorn on the red carpet before this Dior gown and became one of its reigning queens thereafter. Though she gave an incredible performance the previous year in To Die For, she was denied a nomination only to finally win once dumping that lilliputian husband of hers for her brilliant portrayal of Virginia Woolf in the saddest movie ever made, otherwise known as The Hours.

Sharon Stone (1998) I usually spell "batshit crazy" S-H-A-R-O-N-S-T-O-N-E, but Stone looked the picture of elegance in a Vera Wang skirt paired with a Gap button down. The marriage of high and low was made in heaven that night, though I still couldn't tell you why she was at the ceremony that year. But like most things with Sharon Stone, I don't question it.

Céline Dion (1999) Was it a stroke of genius that caused Céline Dion to turn her Christian Dior blazer back-to-front or just an actual stroke? Either way, Celine was memorable the year after her heart went on and on to win Best Original Song (though the award itself went to the songwriters, I. Dunno and No-one Cares).

Björk (2001) The dress that launched a thousand jokes, Björk's Marjan Pejoski swan dress was perhaps the last epic thing to stroll down the Oscar red carpet. Nommed for Best Original Song that year, Björk may have left empty-handed but no one will ever forget that she was there.

Halle Berry (2002) Halle Berry not only became the first African American to win a Best Actress Academy Award that night, but she also launched Elie Saab into the sartorial stratosphere. This was Berry's and Saab's shining moment and everything since then has been an enormous letdown. On both their parts.

The 10 Most (and Least) Oscar-Worthy Gowns from Haute Couture Fashion Week

Lester Brathwaite — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:45:49 +0000

As many a starlet is aware, looks don’t always translate well from the runway to the red carpet. Nowhere is this more true than in haute couture. Sure, this gown costs $35,000, was constructed by a team of half-blind old ladies whose skills are so specialized they can be classified as endangered species and contains actual diamonds, but Joan Rivers still thinks you look like a refugee from some drag queen concentration camp. No, events like the Oscars require a little discretion and the simpler you keep it, the better. Of course, there are exceptions, but not every actress is a Charlize Theron, a Cate Blanchett, a Nicole Kidman or a Tilda Swinton — risk-takers who can pull off haute couture with the greatest of ease. For the rest of ‘em, here are 10 safe gowns sure to please along with 10 only the brave of soul and intrepid of style should even consider.

Commentary: "She looks like she's slithering out of her own skin...and for good reason."

Lose the jacket and you've got yourself a stunner. And I'm talking to you Jessica Chastain

Commentary: "I didn't realize the circus was in town. Tell me, how many clowns can she fit under that tent?"

Perhaps a little too heavy on the beading, but the stars will be out once the cameras start flashing.

Commentary: "Gone with the picnic table. Even Scarlett O'Hara couldn't pull this one off."

Simple and chic but the sheer skirt keeps this from waltzing into comatose couture.

Commentary: "She's going commando! Literally, she skydived onto the red carpet, then wrapped the parachute around her and marched into the show."

It was hard finding anything suitable for the Oscars on Gaultuier's runway, but this scoop-back ditty hit all the right notes.

Commentary: "Looks like she came to her senses a little too late and was only half successful in taking her dress off in the limo ride here."

Pretty much everyone and their mother wants Rooney Mara in Givenchy and this is the closest thing to perfection she'll get.

Commentary: "Tilda you look amazing! Anyone else might receive a public stoning."

When in doubt, always go the ethereal route.

Commentary: "Did a hurricane sweep through every retirement community in Boca Raton and land directly on her?"

Black is always a popular choice on any red carpet so a stunning pale yellow like this will surely have heads turning,

Commentary: "Little ho on the prairie."

All this look needs is a high chignon, a Judith Leiber clutch, and a pair of statement earrings OR a statement necklace...not both.

Commentary: "The dress is wearing her. And it wants off."

It don't get no more chic than this. Give me a two-tone and I'll give you a star.

Commentary: When did the ghost of J.Lo's career show up?"

Miss Havisham knocked a few back and now she's ready to party.

SAG Awards 2012 Red Carpet: Our Top 10 & All the Rest

Amanda Gabriele — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 14:26:21 +0000

The 2012 SAG Awards took place last night, and our applause goes out to all the big winners. As always, we were super excited to see what everyone was wearing on the red carpet from the couture dresses to the 6-inch high stiletto platforms. See what all the Screen Actors Guild talent wore to the awards in our gallery after the jump.

Although it’s easy to be underwhelmed by any dresses coming before the Oscars, there are some ladies who really turned it out last night. We put our top 10 at the beginning of the gallery for your viewing pleasure. All photos from Huffington Post Style.

Rose Byrne in Elie Saab

Amber Heard in Zac Posen

Gretchen Mol in L'Wren Scott

Jayma Mays in Reem Acra

Angelina Jolie in Jenny Packham

Judy Greer in Collette Dinnigan

Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji

Tilda Swinton in Lanvin

Viola Davis in Marchesa

Zoe Saldana in Givenchy Haute Couture

Tina Fey in vintage Verasce

Sofia Vergara in Marchesa

Shailene Woodley in L'Wren Scott

Sarah Hyland in Temperley

Naya Rivera in Naeem Khan

Natalie Portman in Giambattista Valli

Michelle Williams in Valentino

Meryl Streep in Vivienne Westwood Couture

Melissa McCarthy in Badgley Mischka

Maya Rudolph in Naeem Khan

Lea Michele in Versace

Kyra Sedgwick in Pucci

Kristen Wiig in Balenciaga

Kaley Cuoco in Romona Keveza

Julianna Margulies in Calvin Klein Collection

Jessica Lange in David Meister

Jessica Chastain in Calvin Klein Collection

Jenna Ushkowitz in Rebecca Minkoff

Jane Lynch in David Meister Signature

Jane Krakowski in Antonio Berardi

Glenn Close in Zac Posen

Emma Stone in Alexander McQueen

Emily Blunt in Oscar de la Renta

Dianna Agron in Carolina Herrera

Diane Lane in David Meister

Bérénice Bejo in Ralph Lauren

Angela Kinsey in Romona Keveza

Amber Riley in Badgley Mischka

Human After All: Angelina Jolie Shows Her “Silly” Side for Marie Claire

Lester Brathwaite — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 22:01:19 +0000

Angelina Jolie covers the January issue of Marie Claire with her usual sultry stare, but breaks out a few goofy faces — while still looking frustratingly gorgeous — for Alexei Hay‘s camera, proving that beneath that movie star exterior and those brittle bones beats an actual human heart. Or at least a reasonable facsimile.

Alison Edmond handled the styling duties, though according to fashion director Nina Garcia, Edmond didn’t have that much work to do: “[Jolie] is the utter professional,” Garcia told New York Mag. “[She's] opinionated, she knows what she likes and what she doesn’t like…Very simple and classic shapes.” Cut to some Salvatore Ferragamo pajamas, an Elie Saab dress, and a DKNY slip and we’ve got an editorial.

Photos: Image Amplified

15 of Hal Rubenstein’s “100 Unforgettable Dresses”

Lester Brathwaite — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:49:08 +0000

InStyle‘s fashion director, Hal Rubenstein waxes iconic in his new book, 100 Unforgettable Dresses (Harper Design, 2011). From Rita Hayworth in Gilda to Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman, Princess Diana to the Duchess of Cambridge, Grace Kelly to Grace Jones, Bob Mackie to Karl Lagerfeld, Rubenstein delves into fashion history and comes up with an informative and entertaining read. But what makes a dress unforgettable? Calvin Klein — one of several designers interviewed for the book — put it best: “an unforgettable moment is the combination of the right dress on the right woman at the right time.” Click through for a sampling of some of the dresses that made the list.*

*Kate Middleton‘s Alexander McQueen was a late addition and Rubenstein had to cut one of the dresses to keep the list to 100. So it was sayonara Nancy Reagan and her white one-shoulder inauguration ball gown. Michelle Obama‘s Jason Wu, however, remained in tact. [WWD, sub req'd]

Reese Witherspoon in Olivier Theyskens for Nina Ricci, 2007 Golden Globes: “Witherspoon’s slimmer figure, now snugly zipped into a strapless, canary-yellow silk brocade Nina Ricci cocktail dress, screamed, ‘Screw you, buddy!’”

Chanel RTW spring 2011: “Models rarely smile these days, but you can sense when they enjoy what they’re wearing. Kass could barely contain her delight.”

Rita Hayworth in Jean Louis, 1946,“Gilda”: “Strapless dresses owe their enduring popularity to Rita Hayworth.”

Julia Roberts in Marilyn Vance-Straker, 1990, “Pretty Woman”: “No matter how many times you have seen the film, the moment you can clearly recall is when you fell hopelessly in love with Julia Roberts — and that moment is marked by a dress.”

Michelle Obama in Jason Wu, 2009 Inaugural Ball: “Wu and the three women on his team set to work, spending more than three hundred hours making the gown.”

Halle Berry in Elie Saab, 2002 Academy Awards: “Because the gown was so right on her, it is the only one we ever imagine her in, regardless of how many premieres she graces.”

Princess Diana in David and Elizabeth Emanuel, 1981: “Let’s be honest. The gown is hideous…but it became one of the most copied Big Day gowns in history.”

Charlize Theron in Vera Wang, 2000 Academy Awards: “’We came real close,’ said Wang about the how-low-as-you-can-go open back.”

Marilyn Monroe in William Travilla, 1955, “The Seven Year Itch:” “Why the continued frenzy for an almost 60-year-old summer halter? Because of how it looked on the woman who wore it.”

Nicole Kidman in John Galliano for Dior, 1997 Academy Awards: “This wasn’t merely a sensational creation. This was haute couture-claiming turf.”

Kate Middleton in Alexander McQueen, 2011: “The legendarily loose-lipped House of Windsor became so close-mouthed it was as if there’d been a run on duct tape.”

Jennifer Lopez in Donatella Versace, 2000 Grammys: “No single outfit has ever caused more commotion on any red carpet anywhere.”

Madonna in Dolce & Gabbana, 2009, premiere for “Nine”: “The Sicilian dress is the essence of Dolce & Gabbana, the brand’s sartorial touchstone.”

Tilda Swinton in Alber Elbaz for Lanvin at the 2008 Academy Awards: “Amplifying Swinton’s translucent alabaster complexion, vibrant titian hair and knowing exoticism is a fashion sense that revels in her own singularity.”

Prada RTW spring 2004: “This Prada dress was striking for its level of ease.”

Go Glitter, Go Glam: 7 Ways To Channel Your Inner Glitterati

Danika Daly — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 14:00:01 +0000

Glitter shoes have been dazzling our shopping lists, especially the Miu Miu glitter pumps, but there are other ways to unleash your inner pixie. Glitter can easily go wrong if not done properly, so be sure to follow our top seven tips on how to rock the trend without being mistaken for Ke$ha.

The most hardcore way to go for the glitter is with a full-length red carpet ready dress. Elie Saab nailed this in emerald during Fashion Month. We can’t wait to see who wears this on the red carpet.

RED CARPET REPORT CARD: Best Dressed at the 2011 Emmys

Amanda Gabriele — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 13:28:15 +0000

Awards season is upon us, which brings us to this very special edition of Red Carpet Report Card. We will look at the best and worst dressed at last night’s 2011 Emmy Awards, so let’s start with the ladies that worked the hardest. Pretty much everyone failed to impress me last night, but these looks stood out above the rest.

Julianna Margulies in Armani Privé - I almost fell over when Julianna walked up the stairs to accept her Emmy last night wearing this stunning white gown. I immediately knew the structured bodice was Armani Privé - you can’t go wrong wearing it on the red carpet.

What Thee Shouldst Wear for A Midsummer Day’s Work

Jessica Lapidos — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:50:01 +0000

Thy day is fraught with temperature burning.

Thou wouldst to wear a muumuu, else nothing,

but work awaits ye, chic o thee must be.

Hark! Ensembles o’er here! Thrice beest thine!

And all that is made cometh from here,

the States that doth be United in

America. Except for all shoes.

Find thyself looking bright to work ere’day,

Support thee and thy country in this way.

***Sparknotes version: Three looks for work on a summer’s day. All made in the USA, shoes not withstanding. See it all here.

Photo: Lucky Magazine

14 Fabulous Red Carpet Looks That Prove SJP Should Top Forbes

McArthur Joseph — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 20:21:49 +0000

Yesterday Forbes announced that our beloved Sarah Jessica Parker made it to the top of the most paid actress list by raking in 30 million dollars! To celebrate her good wealth we’ve compiled fourteen of our favorite red carpet looks by the former Carrie Bradshaw.

Alexander McQueen

Nini Ricci

Marchesa

Elie Saab

Vivienne Westwood

Lanvin

Alexander McQueen

Elie Saab & L'Wren Scott

Producer/actress Sarah Jessica Parker arrives to Bravo Media's 2010 Upfront Party to promote her new show "Work of Art", which she serves as Executive Producer. Skylight Studios, West Soho New York, New York Wednesday, March 10, 2010 Johns PkI/Splash News

Stella McCartney

Dolce & Gabbana

Yves Saint Laurent

Alexander McQueen

Burberry

Halston

Dior Haute Couture

RED CARPET REPORT CARD: Catherine Zeta Jones in Elie Saab

Amanda Gabriele — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 11:54:27 +0000

In this edition of Red Carpet Report Card, Catherine Zeta Jones will be graded on her Elie Saab Fall 2011 look worn to the 2011 Tony Awards in New York City. See how she looked after the jump.

Catherine will be rated on the below categories, five being the highest and 1 being the lowest.

Fit: 5

Appropriateness: 5

Trendiness: 3

Styling: 5

Hair: 3

Makeup: 5

Pose: 5

Confidence: 5

No surprise here – Catherine is at the top of her class and looks ravishing as always. She stole the show as a presenter at last night’s Tony Awards. Even though the hair was just a touch tight for my taste, it did not affect her gorgeous look negatively.

RED CARPET REPORT CARD: Emma Roberts in Elie Saab

Amanda Gabriele — Fri, 06 May 2011 11:45:01 +0000

In this edition of Red Carpet Report Card, Emma Roberts will be graded on her Elie Saab Fall 2010 look worn to host Nylon Magazine’s Young Hollywood Party in Hollywood. See how she looked after the jump.

Emma will be rated on the below categories, five being the highest and 1 being the lowest.

Fit: 5

Appropriateness: 4

Trendiness: 4

Styling: 4

Shoes: 5

Hair: 5

Makeup: 5

Pose: 4

Confidence: 5

I really love that Emma chose this elegant and youthful Elie Saab dress to host the Nylon party. She always errs on the safe side, but it works for her to the max on this particular occasion. And I am obsessed with the shoes.

In the Dressing Room with Kate Middleton

Jessica Lapidos — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:52:01 +0000

We at Fashion Indie have been seeing the Kate Middleton Wedding Dress rumors fly across our screens faster than the royally obsessed are flying to Westminster Abbey right now. It’s actually an absolute miracle that no one knows any true facts about her gown. We’ll all officially find out tomorrow morning at 6 a.m. EST, when the designer’s name, along with photographs and sketches of Kate Middleton’s dress, will be released on the official royal wedding website. Until then, the Fashion Indie team has come up with our own dream gowns for thee bride of all brides. And we had a little try-on sesh with the (almost) Princess Kate ~~Middleton~~.

LESTER @LesFabian: “Well, as a simple gal with simple tastes, I would suggest this little Dior Spring 2007 Haute Couture number that says everything a wedding dress ought to for a princess-to-be, i.e. I’m infinitely better than you could ever hope to be. I’d suggest you request it in red, though, since your really not fooling anyone.”

AMANDA @crystlmeatballs: “From Alexander McQueen’s Spring 2011 collection, it’s whimsical, gilded, lightly provocative and straight from the fashion house of Britain’s greatest visionary. You should wear this dress, hands down. I secretly have this dress saved in the archives of what I want my own to look like, but I’ll let you have it.”

SAMANTHA @iamsamlim: “I picked this dress by Marchesa because its full tulle skirt represents the uber-princess and the top is modern, romantic, yet still appropriate for your royal wedding.”

McARTHUR @mcarthurjoseph: “You know Kate, it’s not a REAL wedding unless there’s some Vera Wang.”

JENN @JennJann: “I really love the trendy blush color Reese Witherspoon wore and such a fan of understated elegance. This Vera Wang gown has hints of couture. How can you be a princess without couture?”

BRAD @B radlyman: “This is my pick. Jeremy Brandrick is such a talented designer who’s now exclusively doing wedding gowns. He trained at Central St Martins College in London along with McQueen, McCartney, and Galliano. His haute aesthetic would exude a princess out of you.”

JESSY @jessylalancette: “I like this Amsale gown for its simplicity. You could surprise us with something simply beautiful.”

ALEX @pachodak: “I this THIS is the perfect dress. Hands down. It just needed a hat.”

JOSH @LinamLogic: “Let’s keep it in the family. Diana wore an Elizabeth Emanuel dress with a 25-foot train, which was described by some as ‘the dress of the century.’ While the piece has been part of a traveling museum collection, I think you could pull a few strings. Hand-me-down?”

JESSICA (me) @JessicaLapidos: “With cloud-like details ruffling down layers and layers of sheer non-froufy-fluff, this Elie Saab gown is royally inviting a princess like you to wear it.”

Love ‘em? Hate ‘em? Royally freaked out by the head transplants? What will she wear?!? IT’S KILLING US!! Tweet us your thoughts…..and I think @pachodak might need a word or two about what it means to be a princess bride.

Wear May Flowers to Forget April Showers

Amanda Gabriele — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 16:34:37 +0000

The promised May flowers are still on their way, but that doesn’t mean we can’t wear bright and cheery floral prints to prepare for their arrival. From dresses to shorts and handbags to shoes, here are our top 20 favorite florals for spring that you can get right now.

Favorite floral dresses, from left:

Charlotte Sparre Garden of Eden Silk Dress $320 – pret-a-beaute.com

French Connection Lilly Dress $99.99 – usa.frenchconnection.com

D&G Pleated Mimosa Print Boned Dress $1,526 – my-wardrobe.com

Topshop Cream Rose Wrap Fifties Sundress $75 – us.topshop.com

Favorite floral tops, clockwise from top:

Paul & Joe Floral Print Halter Top $858 – boutique1.com

Bird by Juicy Couture Floral-Patterned Cotton Mesh Top $280 – net-a-porter.com

Madewell Floral Waterfall Top $110 – shopbird.com

Tao Comme des Garçons Flower Front Top $705 – barneys.com

Favorite floral bottoms, clockwise from top:

Dries Van Noten Pyrus Pants $659 – mytheresa.com

Dorothy Perkins Black/Red 50s Poppy Skirt $28 – dorothyperkins.com

Cacharel Impatiences floral print shorts $284 – matchesfashion.com

Jil Sander Floral-Print Silk-Twill Pencil Skirt $745 – net-a-porter.com

Favorite floral shoes, clockwise from top left:

Betsey Johnson Maggi Denim Pumps $100 – heels.com

Brian Atwood Court Shoes $3,903 – colette.fr

Seychelles Eyes Of Mars Strap Sandals With Rose Front $161 – us.asos.com

Alexander McQueen Tan 3D Flower Wedge $995 – alexandermcqueen.com

Favorite floral accessrories, clockwise from top:

Fendi Rose Chef Zucca Canvas Medium Satchel Bag $960 – forzieri.com

Jack Wills Evington Floral Head Band $24 – jackwills.com

Ksubi Atik Blue & White Floral Sunglasses $329 – superette.co.nz

Elie Saab Floral Chain Belt $436 – boutique1.com

For Whom the Belle Tolls: A High Fashion Royal Wedding

Lester Brathwaite — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:33:55 +0000

With the Royal Wedding creeping achingly closer each day, British Vogue would be remiss if they didn’t feature at least one editorial homage to the Prince William-Kate Middleton hysteria gripping both sides of the Atlantic. In “Wedding Belles,” Mario Testino does the honors, capturing Arizona Muse, Fei Fei Sun, Kirsi Pyrhonen, Madelene De La Motte, Irina Berezina and Karmen Pedaru as they’re besieged by men and women in uniform while maintaining their matrimonial cool .

Stylist Lucinda Chambers has Arizona taking flight in Elie Saab Haute Couture and Kirsi making waves in Marchesa, as Madeleine and Irina draw a cockney crowd in Vivienne Westwood.

Meanwhile, Fei Fei and Arizona are ready to cause a five-alarm fire in Alberta Ferretti and Carolina Herrera, respectively; luckily there’s a response team in the neighborhood.

Karmen is every inch the fairy tale princess in Dior Haute Couture and though there is nary a prince in sight, she could easily settle for a Lt. Charming of the Household Regiment – D Squadron.

Fei Fei, however is ready to find herself a few good men– and at least one boyish girl — in Jenny Packham.

All of these gowns are sickeningly gorgeous, but which one would you prefer to see the future princess Naomi Campbell-walk down the aisle in?

I’m a traditionalist and have always wanted to get married in Dior Haute Couture…my bridesmaids, all drag queens in Chanel Couture, deathdropping down the aisle while Liz Taylor officiates in a Givenchy Couture catsuit. Sadly, that dream is now missing a Dame.

Link Love: The Fashion Spot / Photos: Fashiontography

RED CARPET REPORT CARD: Evan Rachel Wood in Elie Saab

Amanda Gabriele — Tue, 22 Mar 2011 17:38:53 +0000

In this edition of Red Carpet Report Card, Evan Rachel Wood will be graded on her Elie Saab Fall 2011 dress worn to the Mildred Pierce HBO miniseries premiere in New York City. See how she looked after the jump.

Wood will be rated on the below categories, five being the highest and 1 being the lowest.

Fit: 4

Appropriateness: 5

Trendiness: 4

Styling: 4

Shoes: 4

Hair: 5

Makeup: 5

Pose: 5

Confidence: 5

I always love what Evan Rachel Wood is wearing, and she looks gorgeous in this dress. The makeup and hair are perfect too – bravo to her stylist.

Marlena Szoka in Harper’s BAZAAR China by Benjamin Kanarek – Haute Couture

Benjamin Kanarek — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 18:33:50 +0000

From Benjamin Kanarek Blog

Misty

We’re getting Misty eyed with Marlena Szoka featuring the best looks of Haute Couture Spring Summer 2011 Collections for the April edition of Harper’s BAZAAR China with Gaultier Paris by Jean-Paul Gaultier, Maison Martin Margiela Artisanal, Chanel Haute Couture by Karl Lagerfeld, Elie Saab Haute Couture, Alexandre Vauthier Couture, the last Dior Haute Couture Collection by John Galliano, Armani Privé by Giorgio Armani, Valentino Haute Couture by Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli, Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci captured in the Mist of the Hotel Le Bristol, Paris by Benjamin Kanarek.

To Watch the Video and the Whole Story Here

The 10 Greatest Oscar Gowns Of All Time

Lester Brathwaite — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 21:48:34 +0000

The Academy Awards are this Sunday which means that Los Angeles is full of starving actresses hurling Blackberrys and iPhones at frightened assistants and Rachel Zoe is teetering around on her swollen ankles trying to find a gown for Demi that hasn’t already been claimed by an actual nominee while coordinating Anne Hathaway‘s 55 looks. So in celebration and in anticipation, we present to you, in no particular order, the 10 greatest Oscar gowns…wait for it…OF ALL TIME.

So what is a great Oscar gown? It’s a dress that is memorable, history-making, scene-stealing or just plain fucking perfect. With that, I just don’t get the fuss over Gwyneth‘s pink prom dress and refuse to even acknowledge that gown or the fact that she has an Oscar.

Audrey Hepburn (1954) Auds became a star and a fashion icon that night when she wore Givenchy, beginning a lifetime collaboration between the star and designer. Along with America’s heart, she took home the Best Actress trophy for her debut performance in Roman Holiday.

Elizabeth Taylor (1961) In the pantheon of great movie stars, few shine brighter or longer than Liz Taylor, thus a list of the greatest Oscar gowns could barely be considered legitimate without Liz throwing her white diamonds into the mix — I hear they’ve always brought her luck. Taylor won her first of two Oscars for BUtterfield 8 and wore this gorgeous Christian Dior number to claim her statuette. It’s generally accepted – even by Liz herself — that Taylor won the award through a vote of sympathy after losing her husband Mike Todd in a plane crash – only to seek comfort with Debbie Reynolds’ then-husband Eddie Fisher — and suffering a life-threatening illness during filming – at one point she was actually pronounced dead. Six years later she took home a well-deserved trophy for Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

Cher (1984) Cher might have proved that she was a serious actress with her Oscar-nominated turn as Meryl Streep‘s lesbian lover in Silkwood, but she’s still fucking Cher. The icon wore Bob Mackie (natch) to the 1984 ceremony but lost only to win three years later for Moonstruck. And that gown was no less show-stopping, but didn’t have this amazing headdress.

Halle Berry (2002) Halle Berry not only became the first African American to win a Best Actress Academy Award that night, but she also launched Elie Saab into the sartorial stratosphere. This was Berry’s and Saab’s shining moment and everything since then has been an enormous letdown. On both their parts.

Celine Dion (1999) Was it a stroke of genius that caused Celine Dion to turn her Christian Dior blazer back-to-front or did she simply forget to take her medication that day? Either way, Celine was memorable the year after her heart went on and on to win Best Original Song (though the award itself went to the songwriters, I. Dunno and No-one Cares).

Nicole Kidman (1997) Nikki Kids was a greenhorn on the red carpet before this Dior gown and became one of its reigning queens after. Though she gave an incredible performance the previous year in To Die For, she won in 2003 for her brilliant portrayal of Virginia Woolf in the saddest movie ever made, otherwise known as The Hours. Nominated this year for her third Oscar for Rabbit Hole, she’s got some big shoes to fill: her own.

Anjelica Huston (1976) Former Halston model Anjelica Huston looked flawless and managed to do what few people can claim: take attention away from Jack Nicholson, who won his first of three Oscars that year for One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Huston would claim her own statuette, for Best Supporting Actress, a decade later for Prizzi’s Honor, also starring Nicholson.

Sharon Stone (1999) I usually spell “batshit crazy” S-H-A-R-O-N-S-T-O-N-E, but Stone looked the picture of elegance in a Vera Wang skirt paired with a Gap button down. The marriage of high and low was made in heaven that night, though I still couldn’t tell you why she was at the ceremony that year. But like most things with Sharon Stone, I don’t question it.

Björk (2001) The dress that launched a thousand jokes, Björk’s Marjan Pejoski swan dress was perhaps the last epic thing to stroll down the Oscar red carpet. Nommed for Best Original Song that year, Björk may have left empty-handed but no one will ever forget that she was there.

Who will leave tongues hanging or heads scratching at this year’s Academy Awards. Of the 10 Best Lead and Supporting Actress nominees, I’m most looking forward to Kidman, teen breakthrough Hailee Steinfeld (as well as peer Elle Fanning who will get her own nomination one day), the almost always flawless Michelle Williams and kooky Helena Bonham Carter.

Unfortunately, Natalie Portman is preggers so naturally I have no interest in what she’s wearing and just hope her water doesn’t break while accepting her award.

Photos: Vogue UK, Time

Halle Berry The 74th Annual Academy Awards - Arrivals Kodak Theater Hollywood, California USA March 24, 2002 Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage.com To license this image (405400), contact WireImage: U.S. +1-212-686-8900 / U.K. +44-207-868-8940 / Australia +61-2-8262-9222 / Germany +49-40-320-05521 / Japan: +81-3-5464-7020 +1 212-686-8901 (fax) info@wireimage.com (e-mail) www.wireimage.com (web site)

Celine Dion (Photo by Jim Smeal/WireImage)

Red Carpet Report Card: Halle Berry in Elie Saab

Amanda Gabriele — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 16:22:30 +0000

My first question when I saw this dress was “WHY did she wear that Nini Ricci disaster to the Golden Globes instead of this?!?” Halle Berry wore this gorgeous Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2011 gown to the 13th Annual Costume Designers Guild Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, and she looked stunning. How does her look match-up to the runway? Let’s take a look with the Red Carpet Report Card.

Halle Berry has one of the best bodies in Hollywood, so she needs something both sophisticated and sexy. This Elie Saab couture dress has just enough sheer detailing to be slightly provocative. It fits her like a glove and the color is amazing with her skin tone. Here is what the dress looked like on the runway:

It fits Halle better than the model! She kept her accessories to a minimum, letting the dress speak for itself as it was shown on the runway. I love the bracelet and small, sparkling earrings. If this was the Oscars, I’d say do a big chandelier in the ear, but she dressed perfectly for the occasion. Grade?

A+

Love, love, love it Halle! Keep up the excellent work.

LINK LOVE: The Fashion Patrol

Blake Lively’s Inside Out Dress

Saynt — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 13:07:56 +0000

Blake Lively hit the Tiffany’s Spring 2011 eyewear launch in this Elie Saab dress. The dress totally looks like its either reversible or just inside out. What do you think of Blake’s choice? Love it or hate it?

RUNWAY: Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall 2010

Annabelle Cheesecake, Parisian Princess — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 16:14:04 +0000

GALLERY: Elie Saab Haute Couture Fall 2010

To me, Elie Saab is the best gown designer. He knows how to make a woman look wonderful in his creations. This collection is full of light and luxurious fabrics and is inspired by his Lebanese culture. This collection is flawless. Check my favorites after the jump…

RED CARPET: The Sex and the City Premier

Rebecca Alexander — Tue, 25 May 2010 16:00:54 +0000

I’m super excited for this movie, even though it’s already getting not so positive reviews. Loving SJP’s Valentino Couture dress, the color looks amazing on her skin. Kristen Davis opted for a vintage Jean dress from Decades Inc, love the color as well. Cynthia Nixon wore Carolina Herrera, a bit drab for such a big premier in my opinion. Of course, Kim Cattrall sexed it up in a gold Naeem Khan. More…

Leave it to SJP to change during the premier. Love love love this look, although I do wish the skirt was a bit shorter.

LINK LOVE: Red Carpet Fashion Awards

FASHION FACEOFF: Beyonce & Dita Von Teese in Elie Saab

Missa Stumpf, TrendSpotter/ Designer — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 16:34:42 +0000

Beyonce wore this blue Elie Saab dress last year on the Late Show with David Letterman, while Dita von Teese was recently seen at the Elie Saab show wearing the same dress.

I think they both look amazing in it, but my vote for the best goes to Dita because I love the way she accessorized it more. Her signature red lip also adds another fun color to the look.

Who’s your pick?

Live Blog: Grammy Awards Red Carpet, Performances, and More

Rebecca Alexander — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 00:03:29 +0000

11:26pm Finally… album of the year goes to Taylor Swift! Well deserved! Take that Kanye!

11:15pm I love/miss/adore/admire Eminem!

10:00pm Prince and Paris Jackson on stage!

10:00pm Why weren’t we warned about this 3D action?

9:57pm Usher is HOT!!!

9:48pm Tribute to Micheal Jackson features a bunch of random famous singers…like Celion Dion!

9:46pm Taylor Swift sings…with Stevie Nixx

9:45pm Ryan Seacrest again?

9:34pm Why is Chris O’donnell still important?

9:32pm Best rock album goes to Green Day ’21st Century Breakdown’

9:20pm Robert Downey Jr announces Jamie Foxx ‘Blame it on the…

9:18pm Record of the year goes to Kings of Leon ‘Use Somebody’

9:10pm Best comedy album (whatever that means) goes to Steven Colbert

8:58pm Is there a cue that says ‘STAND and CLAP’?

8:56pm Up now Black Eyed Peas…it’s gonna be a good night!

8:55pm Once again hate Miley Cyrus!

8:45pm Best new artist goes to The Zac Brown Band…who are these hicks?

8:42pm Pink has taken up aerial acrobatics, was dipped in water, currently dripping onto the crowd.

8:40pm Seal announces Pink!

8:25pm Beyonce sings Alanis Morissett’s You Otta Know…Amazing!

8:18pm Lamest performance EVER!

8:14pm Who the hell are these people?

8:13pm What is J.Lo wearing?

8:11pm Single Ladies!

8:09pm Song of the year goes to: wait for it…Steve pulls out an ipad!

8:07pm Our host Steven Colbert!

8:06pm That was it? Boring!

Giorgio Armani Prive

8:00pm Lady Gag opens! Long platinum blond locks, very revealing green glitter bathing suit, giant bruise on right thigh! Double piano with Elton John.

7:51pm Rihanna looks WOW!!! Some form of white big bird big neck gown thing, apparently it’s Elie Saab!

7:44pm Ciara wore a lace Givenchy pant suit, pulls a Lady Gaga with her visible underwear.

7:42pm Sheryl Crow has a two year old, wore Bottega Veneta.

7:40pm Ke$ha is an idiot! Likes buying tacos, describes her style as garbage can chic!

7:33pm Beyonce had glitter highlights added to her weave.

7:32pm Taylor Swift is sparkly head to toe, in a teal off the shoulder gown.

7:30pm Nicole Kidman towers over everyone around her, wore a black Prada halter gown.

7:28pm I hate Miley Cyrus!!!

7:26pm Jaime Fox has two grown daughters…how old is he?

7:24pm Carrie Underwood is super cute, wearing a white A line gown.

7:20pm Pink: platinum blond mohawk, another mermaid gown.

7:15pm Jennifer Hudson: looks like her head is shaved besides her bangs and high pony tail. If the dress looks familiar, that is cuz it’s Victoria Beckham!

7:12pm Trendspark: purposeful shirt half tuck, loving this look!

7:10pm Keri Hilson nominated for best new artist, looks gorgeous in a long nude mermaid gown by Dolce & Gabbana

7:09pm Seacrest talks to the Fray, they are currently working on a new album.

7:03pm Black Eyed Peas talk to Seacrest, Fergie looks glowy, Josh joins on stage. Boy is he Hot!

7:02pm Heidi Klum looks amazing post baby!

7:00pm. Oh god. Tony Braxton has a half shaved head.

RUNWAY: Elie Saab Spring/Summer 2010 Haute Couture

Rebecca Alexander — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:01:39 +0000

What is there not to love about Elie Saab, he makes the perfect couture dress, mixing luxurious fabrics such as silk and chiffon with added touches of pearl beading and embroidered lace.

Find more photos like this on ENVY. THE FASHION NETWORK

LINK LOVE: NY Mag

Red Carpet Rundown: The SAG Awards

Jessica Li — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 07:30:56 +0000

Top 5 Best Dressed:

#5. Kate Hudson in a phenomenal backless Pucci gown. The Cartier back-drop necklace is the icing on the cake!

#4. Nicole Kidman is reminiscent a Morroccan holiday in her beaded Oscar de la Renta. The Fred Leighton bangles are perfection!

#3. Drew Berrymore in a stunning sapphire Monique Lhuillier… although we’re not to sure what happened to her hair…

#2. Diane Kruger channels MObama in Jason Wu. We don’t think Diane is capable of not looking good. Lucky.

#1. Miss Marion Cotillard in Elie Saab Haute Couture. We don’t care if Andre Leon Talley compared you to a rejected Laduree macaroon, we think you stole the show. Now when you’re done with that dress, we’d like to borrow it…

The Ones who REALLY Missed it…

#3. Julia Louis-Dreyfus. We know you’re wearing D&G but you must not be one of their A-list clients because you wouldn’t have ended up with such a badly made dress if you were. Those horizontal strips of cheap-looking tulle are doing nothing for your midsection, and that drop-skirt hem?!?! GIRLLL.

#2. Julie Bowen in god knows what. There is really NOTHING flattering about this dress. It looks as if the designer ran out of white fabric to finish the dress, so he just had to make do with the black! She looks like a chessboard gone wrong.

#1. Sophia Loren in Armani Prive. So bad I don’t even have words.

Images from Just Jared and Style.com

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 23: Actress Marion Cotillard arrives at the 16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on January 23, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 23: (L-R) Actresses Marion Cotillard, Kate Hudson, Nicole Kidman and Penelope Cruz walk onstage at the 16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on January 23, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Marion Cotillard;Kate Hudson;Nicole Kidman;Penelope Cruz

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 23: Actress Diane Kruger arrives at the 16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on January 23, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 23: Actress Julie Bowen arrives at the 16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on January 23, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 23: Actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus arrives at the 16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards held at the Shrine Auditorium on January 23, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

TRENDSPARK: White Strip Makeup

Kirby Marzec — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:58:58 +0000

Though I can’t say I was overly impressed with the looks from the Elie Saab Fall 2009 Couture show (sorry folks, it had Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld written all over it), I was absolutely captivated by the simplicity and brilliance of the makeup used in the show. Models walked down the runway in what appears to be basic upper lash mascara and a white eyeshadow strip from temple to temple. It very well may be a “snow-queen” look, but I can definitely see the white strip look being very trendy during the fall and winter months. Subtle, elegant and beautiful!

To see how the white strip makeup trend looks on other skin tones, with different hair and eye colors, click here!

Thanks for the tip Fashion Copious! Photos via Style.

Moments of Style: Katy Perry

Rebecca Alexander — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 21:47:45 +0000

Looking ultra cute and feminine, Katy Perry wore this Elie Saab Spring 09 dress to the MTV European Music Awards, where she reportedly changed outfits over 10 times. Love the soft pink, and striking red lipstick.

Thanks Fabulousness for the pics

Runway: Elie Saab, Spring 09

Rebecca Alexander — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 21:32:01 +0000

Elie Saab, who we still consider an indie designer considering his official mark on the fashion scene was in 2002 when Halle Berry wore one of his gown to the Oscars. This collection is amazing, not quite Galliano, but Saab def knows how to make a gown worthy of a beauty queen. I’m also really liking the one shoulder look, with emphasis on that shoulder with large pleating and ruffles effect.