frockpaperscissors

Reason No. 78987987 Why I Love the UK

2011-11-16T19:28:00.001-05:00

Social Responsibility. Not in every form -- I'm not oblivious to the riots that took place in August over the fatal shooting of Mark Duggan -- and like every country, state, city, etc., the UK has its issues.

But I have to give them mad credit on this: the third most publicized ad banning in the country.

First we had the banning of Julia Roberts' Lancome ad and Christy Turlington's Maybelline ad (both brands owned by parent company L'Oreal) for being Photoshopped into oblivion .

Then they moved on to ban Dakota Fanning's Marc Jacobs ad for being too sexually provactive and for sexualizing children (she is only 17). I'm actually really shocked that she posed for this ad -- not shocked that it's him, as much as I adore him. He is an envelope pusher. But Dakota Fanning seems like the type of intelligent young girl who might look at this and think without prompting that it is completely inappropriate and sending the wrong message not only to other girls but to men -- not the kind you want to take home either.

And now they've banned UK retailer Drop Dead Clothing from running bikini ads of a dangerously thin Amanda Hendrick. This is obviously not the photo of a healthy woman; it's the photo of a woman who desperately needs assistance (which should be the responsibility of the agencies).

All hail the Advertising Standards Authority for banning these.

As a long time, die-hard fashion lover I highly commend the actions taken. Fashion does not have to equal physical perfection, the exploitation and objectification of youth or the sacrifice of one's body. It just doesn't. Period. Hands down. No argument.

A dress can be perfect, the fit of a pant, the curve of a shoe. These things can also be sexy, erotic, evocative. But the pressure, scrutiny and untimely provocation and manifestation of what is beautiful, sexy and acceptable constantly trumps itself at disgusting speeds and on horrifying levels; not only giving fashion a really bad name globally but also lending itself to eating disorders, low self-esteem, pedophilia, and a mix of other potentially harmful cocktails.

Hopefully there will be an international following of the UK's standards. In some instances, decisions like these may actually, in fact, save a life.

kvlm

Rene Gruau

2011-11-05T10:42:00.002-04:00

I've decided to focus more on old and new inspirations. Things that make me want to sit and draw for hours (where those hours are lately, I'm not really sure....I'm told they are lingering some time between working 50+ and that time right after the child goes to bed, but I've yet to find them), things that awaken the me buried under the worker bee.

One such thing I always find fascinating and inspirational is the vintage fashion ad. In my office, I have three original boards my grandmother drew circa 1950. She used to draw the fashion ads for the paper before eventually taking over the full advertising department for several decades. I love those ads. They far surpass the mass-produced replicas hanging in every Z Gallerie.

But I certainly do have favorites of those 'mass-produced' -- Rene Gruau being on that list. Thankfully his work has not been over done here in the US but it is certainly recognizable. He was a favorite of Dior who used him for fashion, parfum and lingerie ads. His inspiration, from the Moulin Rouge of Toulouse-Lautrec, is certainly obvious. And, as is the mark of a true artist, you can see him in many contemporary fashion illustrators and artists since his reign. His style, undeniable.

This one sat on my fridge for about 10 years...

I love the color and sensuality of this pose. It at once reminds me of Coco Chanel in her salon at 31 Rue de Cambon but it also reminds me of Diana Vreeland sitting in her "garden of hell." Lovely.

This one I also have...

It reminds me of so many things -- the Mod '60's; Twiggy; my love for all things jacket. It just really gets your attention and yet, it's so simple.

Again, not an overworked piece -- just a simple silhouette that is so striking. And her mouth is a little imperfect, which I love.

This is where you can definitely see the Toulouse-Lautrec influence -- the colors, the lines in the fabric, the slight mystery of the woman it belongs to. Quintessential Lautrec.

This reminds me of some of his Bally ads, which it may have been. I just adore the color and the volume of her cocktail dress or wrap...not sure which it is, but it is divine.

The French certainly have demure sexy down to an art form, don't they?

Again, the slightly imperfect beauty that you can't ignore. Love the color palette.

A little less avant garde but a show of Gruau's belief in elegance: "Elegance is fluid and therefore by definition difficult to define, but it is made of desire and knowledge, of grace, refinement, perfection and distinction."

I don't know that elegance always has to be equal to perfection, however. I know lots of imperfect women that are also insanely elegant. It's all inside, at any rate -- how you feel about yourself. Just be inspired.

Here's wishing you a weekend of elegance. Or ever so slight imperfection. Whatever moves you.

xoxo, kvlm

Perfection

2011-10-16T08:41:00.006-04:00

It's Sunday morning. I just walked outside for a minute to see if the rest of the world is awake; the only thing up was the sun. It's cold outside and the October fog is gently rolling along the tops of houses, slowly rising off the ground, and haunting the entire neighborhood.

Ahh...October. I came back in for a little early morning reading before springing into domestic mode and bouncing into the kitchen for my Sunday morning ritual. And what do I find? Perhaps one of the most perfect photo spreads of all time. This is one for the books, folks. It's old Hollywood, it's art, it's historical and timeless all at once. Beautifully shot by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott, fashion photographers extraordinaire, and styled by the wicked brilliant Karl Templer, this was actually in the September issue of Interview but it certainly smacks of everything I love about October, gothic literature, sculpture, drama...film. Exquisite perfection.

Open Letter to the Fashion Universe

2011-08-22T19:05:00.002-04:00

Dear Fashion Universe,

In all of your crystal-studded, diamond-encrusted (in a non-bedazzled way, mind you)glory, I did not think you heard me until this very day but alas, hark, beholdeth and all of that I find on this golden diaphanous afternoon, you may have in fact listened.

I came home to a multitude of daily fashion news emails because, well, I roll like that (don't worry, world at large, I also read the real news) to find that my-heaven-known-as-Marc-Jacobs (for that is what I call him) may be the successor to the throne of the reigning house of all that is correct and perfect in fashion, Dior. I'm not going to lie, and maybe it's the pregnancy hormones, but I felt a little tear well up in my eye. I felt like a mother who had just watched her baby graduate from Harvard, Yale...Parsons? Granted, I think Marc is technically older than me but having been a huge Marc watcher/fan since his shabby-geek chic days at Perry Ellis, I kind of feel like he's family (and, no, not in some "get security" kind of way).

It's the perfect marriage of my favorite designer and my favorite house. Not to say that it's all about me, but maybe my positive vibes and happy thoughts about the two of these fashion supremes rippled across sea waves and miles of terrain to reach the powers that be at LVMH. Well my good vibes and the probably mile long analysis of possible revenue to be had.

Given how painful the last Dior show was to watch (immediately following the removal of he-who-shall-not-be-named....come on folks, I'm a good Jewish girl. I can forgive him, but forget? Not so much...) maybe they'll announce this decision as a final one sooner rather than later.

Let's cross our fingers. Marc Jacobs at Dior? I can see decades of fashion history literally ricocheting off the runway like 1,000 chards of airborne shattered glass -- going everywhere and years later popping up in places you have long forgotten or never thought they would permeate.

All hail the new King of Fashion. Hand the man his crown.

xoxo,
kvlm

The Throne of Dior

2011-04-19T20:09:00.011-04:00

Surely taking on the House of Dior is kind of like winning the fashion lottery, making it to the gates of heaven, getting bumped to first class from here until eternity, or...well...getting to head the House of Dior. So the question of the moment: who will take over Dior?

According to Women's Wear Daily, the short list of potential Dior designers has arrived and that list includes:

Prabal Gurung (left); Haider Ackermann (right);

Riccardo Tisci (from Givenchy -- left); Alber Elbaz (from Lanvin -- right);

Nicolas Ghesquiere (from Balenciaga -- left);
Hedi Sliman (formerly of Dior Homme -- right)

Olivier Theyskens (currently at Theory; I had to include this full shot
because it is so very gorgeous)

Tom Ford (left, with Julianne Moore); Sarah Burton (from McQueen -- right)

If we take into account the last collection for Dior, RTW Fall 2011 (please click images for larger views -- lovingly borrowed from style.com -- they are truly exquisite designs):

This had to be one of the best collections I've seen from Galliano in awhile -- from anyone, for that matter. It is the heart of his skill -- romantic, edgy, ethereal, historic, powerful, colorful, diaphanous -- he was quite gifted in capturing the essence of a woman in all its many facets. I was gasping going through the footage of this show, which he was unable to attend given the drunken anti-semitic tirade he engaged in days prior. I felt for him before I saw the show, but seeing it after -- well, G-d has his timing I suppose but what a sad lot for him to be so far removed from such beauty created by his own imperfect imagination. It's like painting the greatest painting of all time but never being allowed to see it hung at the Louvre, to hear the passing gasps of admirers and the melodic clicking of flashbulbs amidst a sea of enthralled journalists. Painful.

But I digress. Back to task -- taking the House as it stands at this moment, for the clients it attracts, the very loyal and bourgeois patrons of all things Dior, who could possibly fill the shoes of the great designers before him/her? Who could possibly take the gold-encrusted sceptre of Dior to a new non-tarnished place in the history of fashion?

Well, I've thought it over quite a bit. Honestly, it could be any of them. But I'm going to take a few out of the running (the one in my head at any rate). Prabal Gurung, while truly gifted, I think is too young and has just really developed his place -- I think he should enjoy that for awhile. Riccardo Tisci is a favorite of Bernaud Arnault's (chairman of LVMH who owns Dior) daughter who currently acts as deputy managing director of Dior, so he has some weight there but I think the decision is more complex than that factor. Nicolas Ghesquiere -- well, I'm not sure that the marriage of his aesthetic to that of the Dior aesthetic (historically speaking) is a match. I truly don't believe Sarah Burton will leave Alexander McQueen so shortly after his death and since being at the lable since its inception. I would say the same for Alber Elbaz leaving Lanvin -- I just don't see him making that exit. He is Lanvin (and I really, truly do not want him to go!). Finally, I just don't know that Tom Ford isn't too racy for the Dior client. Plus, selfishly, I really want Tom Ford to continue making films and I'm not sure that this wouldn't shelf that at least temporarily.

So, that leaves: Theyskens, Slimane & Ackermann, a trio I never thought I would be entertaining as the heir to the Dior throne. Not to negate their ability by any means, they are all three very gifted artists. But when I think Dior, I think someone with an equally massive persona and ego as Galliano.

I say Slimane because he's been at Dior before and they tried (without success) to sway him to staying some years ago and selling his extremely crafty soul to the LVMH hierarchy. He politely told them no. He's a brilliant photographer, a forward-thinking designer and has a strong following in many different reaches of those pockets which can actually afford Dior.

I say Theyskens because -- well, wow. Olivier Theyskens has got to be one of the most talented and multi-faceted designers out there. I think maybe he is the reincarnate of Balenciaga (look them both in the eye). His is an old soul but he's young and has a lot of fresh ideas. I don't think he'd be a designer that would ever bore. He'd woe those young Dior girls who want something very 'now' but would placate and seduce the older set who long for the romance of their youth.

However, now that I've had a few days to let this gestate, I'm really having some strong feelings about Haider Ackermann. He nails that romantic/edgy symbiosis pretty damn well. In addition to being a contender for the seat of Dior, Karl Lagerfeld himself has suggested Ackermann as a replacement for him (some day) at Chanel. A compliment indeed -- and let's face it, Karl doesn't roll out compliments all that often.

More from Ackermann's RTW Fall 2011 Collection:

If you focus on the details of Ackermann's skill (and styling), and compare them to those of Galliano's (albeit, Dior's), I think you'll see that there is a passion to intricacy there that is parallel and transferable to the label's goal and mission.

Or maybe I've just suddenly fallen in love with Haider Ackermann (anyone who uses Leonard Cohen's "A Thousand Kisses Deep" for their runway show will surely catch my attention).

Whatever the case may be, it would be really great to see someone unexpected propelled into sudden and certain greatness. Who knows, tomorrow I may change my mind and lean more towards Burton (who is said to be in the very top of the contender's and may even be the top pending Kate Middleton's decision on whether Burton will design her gown or not) but today my money is Ackermann.

Long live the dark horses.

xoxo,
kvlm

Nashville Fashion Week: Day Four

2011-04-10T16:59:00.009-04:00

Sadly, I only made it to one event on the next to last day of Nashville Fashion Week. As I drove around in circles for nearly 30 minutes trying desperately to get a parking space so that I could make it to see Kelly Cutrone speak at the Belcourt Theatre, I wondered if maybe I should give up.

Luckily, I have a ridiculous amount of patience and special ops parking skills and, at the last minute, I squeezed the stealth Jeep into a parking space made for a Vespa. It was legal, that is all that matters; and although I wound up at the end of a very long line of ladies dressed in black, I made it on time.

I've long admired Kelly Cutrone's tenacity (she is, essentially, the proverbial badass of the PR world...who are we kidding, of the whole world) and while I had watched her show Kell on Earth religiously, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. Yes, I knew she was smart; yes, I knew she was funny; yes, I knew that she does not tend to take crap from anyone (living or otherwise), but I was unprepared for just how much this speech?...lecture??...hell, soliloquy...would inspire me, move me, possess me. She's kind of Queen, people. All hail.

Among the many things Kelly spoke of (her family, her start in the business, how to get into fashion, how to rock your brand and work the PR star fantastic) the things that resonated with me the most were what she told us about tribes and how she illustrated her version of "never giving up."

She's a fighter, that's for sure, but then something about her makes you believe her stars were laid out so long ago, that no matter what got thrown in her way over the years, she was destined to be who she is right now, in this moment. That, in and of itself, is inspiring. Although she went to school to be a nurse and later went on to go up and down the ladder of success (eventually just staying "on up there" hovering above everyone else), she always figured out who she was, what she had to say, how to get it out there and how to just stand solid as a rock on her own feet in each and every instance.

Yes, I'm a hard core feminist though probably not in the sense that most people think when they hear those terms (read: I love makeup, French lingerie, killer heels, and other various and sundry items I probably don't really need) so any time I see a woman coming at success from the angle that Kelly does -- straight forward, no pretension -- while at the same time incorporating her wish for tribal living, unconditional love, forgiveness and basically being the "mama wolf", I have to say I am kind of speechless. Or rather, I'm in awe.

I don't believe in accidents or coincidences. I never have. I believe I was meant to hear these things on this day at this particular time in my life -- a time where I finally find myself in a place to explore my creativity beyond where I could before. You see, since I saw Kelly, I've been on kind of a buzz. Everything she said was so right -- ok, now you may be thinking next I'm going to offer you the kool-aid but it's not like that.

I implore anyone reading this blog right now to pick up Kelly's book, If You Have to Cry Go Outside. I picked it up before going in to see Kelly and finished reading it three days later (probably would have finished it in a day but I have a 7 year old -- reading isn't what is used to be). I've read a lot of books -- a lot of lit, a lot of fashion, a ton of self-helpy spirituality types -- this one is definitely going in my "favorite" pile. And not just because I love fashion; but also because I love to work, and I want to cultivate the voice inside of me to get to where I ultimately want to be with my career, my life, my place in the universe.

I'm more than likely not doing this whole thing justice. For instance, I didn't even begin to tell you Kelly's take on tribal living, the Mother, the earth, taking care of each other -- moving toward someone who is in need of help instead of moving away from them (sometimes people are too scared to ask for help or maybe unaware that they need it, right?).

I particularly loved the idea of tribal living. In this house, we call ourselves a tribe; always have. So I get that -- but I never thought about it in terms of the support you need outside the walls of what is your immediate familial context to get to where you want to go. I'm probably the worst for asking for help and support and maybe if I had years ago, I'd be turning out a collection every season instead of perusing longingly for hours over the shows after they come out on Style or NY Magazine's respective websites.

Maybe I should have given more support to people around me who also have unanswered creative voices living within. I'm going to make that a goal from now on. It's so important -- there is so much to be had. So much talent out there, so much vision. We really are incredible animals, aren't we?

Ok, so I'll stop waxing poetic because right now a member of my tribe needs to have the Wii remote taken out of his hands and his mama needs to read him a book. Hopefully, all of this creative juju that's floating around the house right now will lead us to very wonderful places -- together.

I'm so glad I moved to Nashville. Thanks, Kelly. And thank you to the folks at Nashville Fashion Week for bringing Kelly to us. There's a lot of love for her in this city now.

xoxo, kvlm

p.s. Kelly also has a new book out, Normal Gets You Nowhere (ain't that the damn truth). You can pre-order a copy now; it hits the shelves May 3.

Nashville Fashion Week: Night Three

2011-04-01T01:05:00.017-04:00

Nashville Fashion Week's third night was alive with the energy I find so intriguing about this town. Although I'd had a really inspiring experience the night prior, this night proved to be more on point with everything it was trying to accomplish. Major kudos to everyone involved from the adorable male fashionista who helped us find our seats to the black-haired raven in the top balcony cuing each model when it was her turn to take the catwalk.

Over 800 people showed up on what turned into another cold night, this time in East Nashville at an old church parked right beside an even older YMCA. The building was lit in neon green which helped to subdue the question on everyone's mind, "how are they going to do this in this church?" You see, from the outside this place of worship we'd all flocked to to do just that, worship at the throne of the almighty thread, seemed a lot smaller than it actually was.

Once inside...well let's just 800+ people fit rather nicely in the churches velvet cushioned pews. It seemed as if everyone had a great seat, a great view, and a great attitude towards the whole event. It was a happy vibe indeed.

We had bought tickets to avoid the possibility of not getting into what we figured was going to be a full house given the celebrity presence of Christian Siriano, who is not only a brilliant designer but also the lovable and energetic winner from Project Runway Season Four. Turns out, for this night, it actually paid to be press so we switched back over to "the other side." And the crew could not have been nicer -- even to us bloggers who, for the most part, the news world still doesn't take too seriously. Although we weren't allowed entry until well after the non-media masses were warm inside, we were granted fabulous seats (again) -- front pew, steps away from all of the action. The fashion gods are being kind to me this week.

The show opened with Olia Zavozina, a Nashville transplant who creates one-of-a-kind bridal wear and some rather fetching menswear (this says a lot for me -- if you'll remember from my last post, menswear sends me very quickly into a coma). I had actually met Olia a few months after moving to Nashville at a trunk show and been very impressed with her work. I loved her color palette then -- all dove grey, white, and bone -- and I loved it for this show. She's also quite lovely herself, a gorgeous Russian blond with a lot of skill -- who can resist that? Here are some shots of her line:

Next in line was Cooper by Courtney Warren. Warren, a Texas native, has a goal: to create a dress line that makes all women feel sexy and beautiful. (She must be nailing the sexy part; as I write, sitting in the children's section of the library, writing as my son plays educational games on the library computer, the powers that be are blocking me from viewing her site due to "adult content").

Anyway, I found it endearing that Courtney named all of her pieces after family and friends who have supported her through her fashion venture. Having always wanted to design myself, I can't tell you how instrumental the support of those around you is being that fashion is the greatest financial/business risk you can take these days.

As for the line itself, I thought a lot of the pieces were very cute, completely wearable and super girly. I did have one question though: who were her dressers? Sadly, a number of frocks came down the runway with undergarments in full view and dress-hangers, well, hanging out. It was a bit distracting. But the girls, below, literally walked it off and the error was soon forgotten.

The next designer, a local, really REALLY made me want to break out the checkbook. Just about ever piece by White Rabbit designer Shea Steele had my heart and mind racing. The line is a veritable triumph of uber-romantic shapes in completely unexpected color combinations. I loved the clothes, loved the styling, loved it all. It really was an unforgettable part of the entire show.

Sadly, since I was not in the most opportune place for optimum photo taking, I don't have much to show. I did find this teaser online but I highly recommend you click through to her viewbook; her pieces are quite seductive.

Union of Angels by Cynthia Bapst showed next and while I didn't know much about the line at the time, you could tell it had been around while given the impeccable tailoring of each piece. Her bio says that she drew from her Virginia background equestrian details mixed with a hip boho chic spin. Well, you certainly can see the equestrian -- which no doubt will translate well to the Nashville celebrity set, a group she has been working with on styling through the various record labels that line Music Row.

I was a little confused by the different genres represented in this collection though; the last look smacked of 1950's Marilyn Monroe-esque inspiration with a Jackie O. modesty. Coupled with the heavily embellished jackets and riding boots, I wasn't sure which direction my mind was meant to go in.

Last, but certainly and by far, not least was fashion darling Christian Siriano. Dress after dress, model after model, there wasn't one thing I did not love. And seeing it in person after "covering it from afar" after the collection paraded down the runway at New York Fashion Week was an incredible experience I can only liken to seeing famous paintings for the first time after only having ever seen them in books. Thank you, Mr. Siriano, for coming down to our "neck of the woods" and igniting a fire in a room full of people who are absolutely sold on the church of your clothing.

What beauty, what skill. When I think about what will happen to the House of Dior and how replacing a genius like he-who-shall-not-now-be-named, I immediately think of Siriano. His skill is reminiscent of earlier Galliano -- pieces that now reside behind museum-grade plexiglass while fashion students near and far line up to drool longingly. He's young, yes, but he definitely was given a gift and I am truly excited to see where he will be 20 years from now. His career will no doubt be long and fruitful not to mention set in the history books of fashion.

My favorites....they simply make me swoon; the impact of these pieces in person, breathtaking:

While my real job kept me from attending the last two days of Nashville Fashion Week, I will still cover those designers shortly. I'm thrilled to have been a part, although in such a small way, of such a big week for our city. And anything I can do to help promote/support local talent, I'll certainly do -- now and for as long as you will entertain me.

I was able to see Kelly Cutrone at the Belcourt Theatre, who not only was promoting her books but was also promoting this event, but I'll catch you up on that later probably in an "Ode to Kelly" blog. She, too, is divine and I am quite certain I adore her.

'til then,
xoxo,
kvlm

Nashville Fashion Week: Night Two

2011-03-31T00:59:00.013-04:00

I won't lie, I was a little disillusioned about ten minutes into waiting for media access into Nashville Fashion Week's second night of shows at The Arcade between 5th & 4th Avenue. Why you may ask yourself? Well, for two reasons.

I didn't actually know I had press credentials until today, which means I missed all of yesterday's opening extravaganza.
No one seemed to know where anyone was supposed to go tonight, including Insider Pass holders (read: those who paid the most) let alone press.

Luckily, I arrived somewhat early and after having paid $10 to park my car three blocks away, I joined the ranks of the Nashville's fashion savvy waiting to be told what to do while hovering in a Walgreen's entrance trying to stay warm.

In true Nashville style, the good people around me, with the help of a security guard, were able to figure out who went where and for how long, etc. Turns out, media was meant to check-in at the cocktail reception taking place in an art gallery across the street from The Arcade. Good to know (signs anyone? Can a girl get a sign?).

The super fun (read the sarcasm) thing about being "press" is knowing, in the back of your freezing/nearing hypothermia mind, that having the pass above does not actually ensure your entrance into said show. I kept my gray tipped fingers crossed and after an hour and 11 minutes of waiting, was finally granted passage through the black curtains into a "press pit" which consisted of metal grate-type chairs seated between actual ticket holders and the wall.

Again, luck would walk my way in the form of a petite black-clad blond wearing an ear piece and moving at lightening speed up and down the catwalk. She offered me a seat up near the front of which I jumped at the chance to take. I was even more thrilled, after seeing that the seat was about 4 chair lengths away from the beginning of the catwalk, to be seated amongst a sea of warm bodies because did I mention it was cold? Yeah, it was cold.

Anyway, on with the actual show...

First up was local designer Melissa Tabor. Her designs are sophisticated and sexy but still very interesting in their detail and texture. I particularly liked the juxtaposition of the feminine silhouette to design elements like an exposed zipper. It gave the whole line a very multi-dimensional gravity that is often missing in every day frocks. Here's a sample of her work from her Etsy store:

Second on the runway was GadoGado, another local line created by Belinda Kazanci and inspired by all things Bali. Her work features uber-creative prints in body conscious cotton accented with fringe details, excellent draping, and bold color. Below, a shot from backstage tonight and a sample of her work from her Facebook page:

Betsey Johnson was the mid-point of the show and of course that proved to be entertaining and enchanting, as always. Unfortunately, Betsey wasn't with us but her spirit resonated in all of the layers of pink tulle, yards of '80's inspired florals, and sassy sailor jackets. You gotta love Betsey; even when she's not around, she still charms you. Some looks below from her spring line:

Next up was Ben Sherman. Now you will have to forgive me for what I am about to say, but menswear on a runway absolutely bores me to tears. Don't get me wrong, I love to go shopping with my man and there is not much better in this world than a well dressed gent, but the shows? Quel snooze. I will say, however, that the line is impressive and there is obviously more reasons than one why Ben Sherman's line is the 4th most popular menswear line in the UK. It sells on Asos for anyone who is interested; here is a promotional shot from the collection:

Tonight's show ended with T. Rains. Now, when I saw the moniker on the screen, it didn't dawn on me that this was Traver Rains of Heatherette fame. About four frocks into the show, though, it was pretty obvious. There was quite a crowd for T. Rains collection; lots of people standing to catch every look as it went by, lots of video, even more exclamations of wonder. I, however, was not one of those people. I was never a fan of Heatherette (and I'm not overly concerned with how uncool that might make me). I can appreciate it in an almost avant garde parody kind of way, but as far as serious fashion goes (from a historical and marketable angle) I just don't see it. It certainly is attention-grabbing and so therefore successful but I'm not sure who the client is for this line and I'm not sure I want to...where does she wear these pieces?

I did, however, love this:

The finale piece, a large headdress made of multiple shades of blue tulle on a bathing suited beauty lacked innovation but seemed rather interested only to shock. I wasn't shocked. I was hypothermic and kind of bored, but not shocked. After say my '20's, shock-fashion no longer appealed to me -- entertained, yes but...I need more than that now. Dear G-d, am I getting old?

Traver Rains seems to have an enormous imagination, of which I can completely appreciate and respect. Specifically, I adore his photography. The fashion elements come together so symbiotically with his vision of the world at large, that the photographs come to life somewhere between reality and fantasy. I adore these two, absolutely adore them:

Overall, a great experience and I'm looking forward to Thursday and Friday night's shows, although not as media. Sure, I'll take notes and maybe even get some pictures this time but being a ticket holder obviously has its advantages and I'd prefer to not subject my toes to that cold again any time soon -- not that they'd feel it anyway, having been numb for at least four hours solid. There was a moment upon spying Kelly Cutrone seated across from me where I ceased to care about my frozen appendages but even she left early, her child in tow wrapped warmly in a blanket.

Some quick suggestions I'd like to make to the great people at Nashville Fashion Week:

Space Heaters. If I know anything about Nashville after 8 months of residency, it's that the weather is unpredictable. Freezing your patrons is never a good call.
I love the intimacy of a level catwalk with the crowd but in a space like The Arcade, elevated would have been a better choice.
Transitions between collections...shorter? Anyone else think they were painfully long? Or was it just my thinning patience in the face of a cold front?
Organization is key. This is a young event, I'm sure they are taking tons of notes on what worked and what didn't. After tonight, I am confident it will only get better.

And hopefully warmer. Until tomorrow....until Christian Siriano...

xoxo,
kvlm

Nashville Fashion Week!

2011-03-30T13:51:00.003-04:00

So it looks as though I will be able to cover some of this week's shows and events. As I am working on my schedule for that, I thought I would share the full schedule for Fashion Week, it is just over there to the right! I am so very excited for everyone involved with this event. Great work, Music City!

A Face Never to Forget

2011-03-23T23:06:00.009-04:00

I always suffer from severe nostalgia when a screen legend like Elizabeth Taylor leaves us. Mentally, I think I connect that by-gone era with innocence and safety and when it goes, there's a large gaping hole that will only be filled with a deluge of mediocre mass-produced entertainment we have now. Not to say that there aren't some talented actors and actresses in the Hollywood machine, but it's just not the same.

Hers was a face we will never forget, a passion and energy never to equate, a spirit so bright that even in the last few years, her sparkle could not be denied. I was reminded when making this video how truly remarkable she was.

So long, gorgeous...to you we owe so very much.

xoxo,
kvlm

Monday Montage

2011-03-14T23:59:00.004-04:00

Monday's are generally no fun for anybody. In my quest to lighten my mood this evening, I, as is typical, turn to all things French. I was also on quest to finish creating my new pages here on FPS, starting with my Frock page. This will be my ode to all things past beginning with Vionnet.

Which brings me to Paris Fashion Week. Is it me or are others having a hard time getting behind Rodolfo Paglialunga's take on Vionnet? I'm perplexed. It feels a little too hard, a bit too modern. But I did like these two frocks:

Maybe I'm being too soft coming from spending two hours perusing Vionnet's frocks of yesteryear? Perhaps. Paglialunga has only been "in house" since 2009 and the house was only resurrected in 2007 after an over 60 year hiatus so there is certainly room for change. I suppose I'm too much of a nostaliagist (I know, that's not a word but I'm punchy and it's Monday) and have high hopes that current designer's will maintain the sensibility of their originators. This is probably too lofty of an ideal but work with me.

Stateside, Nashville Fashion Week is around the corner and I am extremely excited to get my first real glimpse at what's going on in the design world in this city. I'm familiar with a lot of the names and our local mecca of all things, well, local: Local Honey -- hence thy local name. Local Honey recently took over the spot left vacant by Karen Elson and Amy Patterson when they moved their much coveted Venus and Mars Vintage Boutique to an online-only shop -- or at least that was the story but I'm not having any luck finding their amazing selection online. Hmpf.

Anyway, I've not been to any events as of yet in this fascinating and ever growing community of artists. This will all change, of course, in a few short months when I'll actually be in the city limits and not so far out of them. Until then, I can gladly report that two of my favorite fashion fixtures will be joining us for Fashion Week: Kelly Cutrone & Christian Siriano.

Kelly Cutrone has been a fashion-show-producing hero of mine and resident industry badass for ages. She owns the PR firm People's Revolution and is author of two books: If You Have to Cry, Go Outside and Normal Gets You Nowhere. She will be giving a talk at the Belcourt Theatre at 12:00 p.m. on April 2.

Christian Siriano, of Project Runway fame, will be showcasing on Thursday March 31 in East Nashville.

For a complete list of featured designers, click here. I am particularly enamored of Aman Stovall's collection and pumped to see it live (if I get to, here's to crossed manicured fingers!).

More Paris tomorrow!
xoxo,
kvlm

Milano Due

2011-03-09T22:33:00.000-05:00

More images from Milan...

Ciao, Milano!

2011-03-07T00:01:00.015-05:00

While Paris is on fire, Milan is probably having a much needed drink and siesta after their (always) decadent a/w 2011 shows. I still don't understand why, outside of Versace, Prada, & Dolce & Gabbana, Milan gets such a hard time. I'm kind of in love with their style right now -- each season I become a little more seduced by Italy's calling. And I am so mesmerized by Frankie Morello's show, I can't even explain it.

Trend wise, I think we can all safely say now, after 3 major cities, that these things are going to consume as all come fall: prismatic manifestations of fur-drenched menswear inspired 1960's shaped collar heavy super molded outerwear diaphanous 30's inspired gowns stilettos with ankle socks legwear for days tossed with gloves so 1950's and enough hats to sink the Titanic. Or so it appears. Paris will come tomorrow...until then, Milano:

xoxo,
kvlm

Frankie Morello A/W 2011

2011-03-06T14:55:00.001-05:00

London

2011-03-05T23:56:00.012-05:00

Oh, London, you misfit child, you...

My favorites from the collections:
(click images for larger view)

Wanted: King of Couture

2011-03-01T12:56:00.003-05:00

I've been debating on whether or not I can even come to terms with my feelings on these recent John Galliano reports. When I first heard that he had made anti-semitic remarks over the weekend, I just closed my black-liquid lined eyelids and prayed it wasn't true.

Not only is Dior my favorite House, but Galliano has long been my favorite designer. And as Jew, I was not ready to accept that these allegations were true. Unfortunately, thanks to the advancements of technology, every person is a cameraman these days and so these allegations were supported with evidence yesterday morning with the disseminaton of this video. Be careful, it is pretty horrific the things that come out of his mouth. I could only watch it once and every time I think about it...well, I don't cry easily but this is heartbreaking news.

Heartbreaking that he could say these things to anyone, let alone think them; heartbreaking that he obviously forgot the number of homosexuals Hitler also executed; heartbreaking for what it will undoubtedly do to the House of Dior, John's career -- hell, to the fashion world at large.

It's disgusting and I hate that M. Dior is likely rolling in his grave right now but more than that it sickens me that this sort of hate speech gets broadcasted all over the world and will be historically documented given John's place in the artistic stratosphere.

I can put away my feelings of sadness for a moment though -- only to embrace the more crippling emotion of anger. Apparently, there is further report this morning that the House of Dior set this whole thing up to oust John from his post at Dior as his drinking problems (and I'm sure egomania) have been an issue for the House for many years. That report further goes on to say that the video was from October and that the House was just waiting the week before Paris Fashion Week to unload on the universe and to ensure a quick removal of the designer prior to the show.

Honestly? What difference does it make when he said it? I don't, as a Jew but more importantly as a loving and accepting human, care if he said it when he was hooked up to an IV and it was dripping with morphine. Anti-semitic commentary of this caliber (of any caliber) is not acceptable under any circumstances or at any time. Period. End of the story. It is not open for discussion and I don't care what the House of Dior did, it was the right thing to do if he is, in fact, an alcoholic Anti-Semite...who would have only destroyed one of the most brilliant visionary fashion houses of all time.

If you know me, you know it's hard for me to remove someone who has inspired me so completely over the past few decades, to deplete anyone form my interior camp of artists, writers, musicians, etc. but dethroned he must be. And like that other well known celebrity who was caught making similar statements in California a few years ago, Galliano will become unknown to me and certainly others around him.

What an unfortunate loss but not nearly as unfortunate as the 6 mil. Jews who perished at the hand of he who Galliano apparently holds so dear. May Paris turn a completely blind eye to you, Mr. Galliano, and may you soon learn the error of your ways.

kvlm

Vanity, fair

2011-03-01T01:12:00.010-05:00

This should be fairly painless...or at least, fairly easy...

You know how we all love Zooey Deschanel's quirky non-Hollywoodness? Well it looks like we've lost the top half of her at least to the makeover machine and the bottom half is struggling for its independence. None of which is ok.

Zoe Saldana in Prabal Gurung. Perfect. Except for that gold boxy clutchy thing. I'm not a fan of that. But the dress is a bit of heaven.

Taylor Swift, for a girl that writes hate lyrics to a number of Hollywood B-list actresses, you sure do spend an awful lot of time there.

Sofia Vergara is living proof of two things: Age does not matter when it comes to beauty and you don't have to put it all out there all of the time. I'd love to see her in something soft with a little less...of everything?

Naomi Watts apparently sat on a skunk on the way to the party. It looks like the skunk won. That's unfortunate. Here in Tennessee we know that smell all too well and I'm sure it did not win her any favors although it probably gave her a great excuse for her hair.

Mia Wasikowska is lovely and I simply cannot wait for her next film, Jane Eyre. But I'm confused by her continuous attempt at androgyny via the makeup-less face and non-blown out hair coupled with sexy avant garde-esque type frocks. Either drop the hem or put on some lips, you are confusing me!

Um, wow. How old do I feel? Madonna and child...who isn't so much a child anymore. I think Lourdes Leon is ridiculously pretty and I rest assured that although her skirt is too short (hey, she's young enough to be my daughter) that her very smart mother has raised her to value her talent, intelligence and creativity more than her legs. Right? Right? No? Maybe...?

Anyway, on the other hand said smart mom, I am about to say something to you I never thought I would given my die-hard fan status since grade five....cover it up, sister. We've seen it all before and it is no longer interesting.

Liv Tyler, as usual, is breathtaking and simple.

People tell me this is some child named Lea Michele from that show Glee, which I do not watch. Otherwise I would not have recognized her because, unlike every other awards show this season, she is not advertising her cleavage. (By the way, the dress is horrible.)

Leslie Mann -- love the color, love the cut, love it.

I. Am. In. Shock. Juliette Lewis looks normal! And pretty!! Yea!!! How glad are we not to see those 1981 leggings and blue hair?? Thrilled, I tell you, thrilled!

Please, someone, tell me what is going on with Ginnifer Godwin lately? For starters, while I love a good pixie cut, what is with the constant half-faux-hawk? And secondly, why is she forever wearing dresses that cut her petite frame into two mis-proportioned halves? But last, and certainly not least, why does she always look like a deer caught in headlights? I am concerned. And while I LOVE ERDEM, who designed this dress back in 2009, 2009 isn't exactly vintage and I'm confused as to why you would wear a past-season dress to an event as big as the VFP. But maybe that's just me (or why someone, ie. Ginnifer, should hire me as their stylist...just puttin' it out there).

Why, hello there, Jason Statham. That is all.

What in the world is Eva Mendes wearing? It looks like she forgot her bodice and someone ripped some tulle off her skirt to cover up her mammaries. A very strange look indeed.

Well done, Emma Roberts. The color is perfect for you.

Which is more than I can say for Ellen Barkin. Never is it ok to match your hair to your dress to your shoes to your bag. We do not do matchy matchy. Especially not on the red carpet.

Dear Hollywood and all of your nether regions worldwide, Charlize Theron knows how to do it. Please take note.

Way too short. And, might I add, too small?

Claire Danes looks like she just wandered out of the hospital during an exam. Obviously she did not think this one through.

Bryce Dallas Howard is another one I've been concerned with as of late. I kind of want to love the dress but I don't know that it's right for this event. Well, I know what it's not right for...the hose! Or the shoes for that matter. None of this works together except the color of the dress with her hair -- that I love.

Anna Kendrick, are we supposed to unwrap you and if so, ew. Too much, especially with the side swept hair on the opposite side from the side bow bodice.

Amanda Seyfried -- you may have been better of wearing this to lunch or casting but not on the RC. Plus, can you tone down the sexy -- you are like 12 and I can't take it. That Interview Magazine photo shoot you just did sent me to the bathroom to wash my eyes out -- with acid.

Abbie Cornish. Great dress, nice bag -- a little hair color and you would have nailed it.

I really hope the Oscars are better next year. Cross my heart and kiss my elbow for 84! And although I've sadly neglected awards season this year, I am so glad it's over! Maybe I'm outgrowing my fascination.

Nah.

xoxo,
kvlm

Oh, Oscar!

2011-02-28T23:59:00.013-05:00

Yes, it's that time of year again -- time for my take on the Oscars! Sadly, we had to cut our Sunday viewing extravaganza (which began at 3:00) short because apparently I have relocated my family to the land of extreme weather. Another round of tornadoes and I am officially over it. I'm even beyond being scared. When it cuts into my Oscar time, I just get annoyed (I know, I know...my priorities get out of line where fashion and cinema are concerned, what can I tell you?). I love the Oscars, though -- they remind me of so many things...my love for a good dress, a childhood dream of being in movies, my grandmother's tattered copy of David O. Selznick's Hollywood, watching the telecast with my family every year...and now just making my husband and sister completely insane with my incessant need to catch every second of the before, the during and the after. It's one of my annual super girly-girl moments so bear with me.

So let's start with three major not-worth-talking-about-really talking points in regards to dear Oscar:

Anne Hathaway and James Franco -- while I appreciated her (unyielding and sometimes childlike) enthusiasm and while I know he has played some brilliant roles, they are not Oscar hosts. That was the absolute worst Oscar telecast in 83 years (ie. ever). Seriously. There's a reason they normally choose seasoned comedic types.
Did J Lo sponsor the Oscars because OMG if I see one more J Lo commercial I'm going to boycott...everyone! She's the new Jessica Simpson.
There comes a point where costume changes are just really annoying. 9? That's overkill people. Please reference point #1.

Maybe #3 isn't totally not worth highlighting -- she did, after all, manage to very seamlessly change her look 9 total times during the show, including hair and jewelry for which she was reportedly paid $750,000 to wear. (Really?) Let's take a gander, shall we?

I'm trying to steer away from acknowledging the designer because I find that when I know whose hands were responsible for something, it can sometimes sway my opinion (for example Zoe Saldana's Givenchy last year -- I still think all that purple ombred puffiness was perfection but apparently I was the only one...on earth). But this gorgeous red could only be Valentino. Archival Valentino at that. And I swoon.

Her first and second looks, respectively, during the telecast. I actually liked the first dress although I thought it was a little too overly adorned and she kept putting her hands all over it which was distracting but it's pretty and she looked great. As for the second, any girl in a tux with a high pony and discoball shoes is ok in my book.

No on the first. It's Vivienne Westwood but no. She looked like a vampiric puritan. However, I love the second and the hair was perfecto!

The liquid blue Armani Prive worked for her coloring but she only had it on for like 4 seconds so I couldn't really come to terms with my emotions. I need at least 6 seconds for that. The Atelier Versace below, which she eventually wore to the Vanity Fair Party, was divine. But her finale dress, the Tom Ford lacey-sequined turtleneck column dress, while Tom Ford, was too severe for her if not too old.
What about the rest of the Red Carpet Wanderers you ask? Oh, there are so many.

Virginia Madsen. It is probably not a good idea to wear anything that can be compared to -- or may look like it was made from -- a swan when one of the films nominated is called Black Swan. Just a friendly suggestion.
Scarlett Johansson in Dolce & Gabbana. I wasn't sure about the color at first because it's a bit garish on the red carpet, but I later decided I love it. Good choice.

Sandra B. in Vera Wang. LOVE this dress -- red was so super popular this year. Normally stylists stay away from red on the red carpet, but that seems to be a fear factor that is disappearing. Bellissima!

So Wikipedia and my husband tell me that this tool box to the left, Rupert Murdoch, owns Fox News and while that annoys the living hell out of me politically, I like his trophy wife's dress.

Reese Witherspoon in Armani Prive. Again with the high pony. Love it, love her. She's an intelligent charismatic every girl's girl. She just looks happy and honestly that is really the best accessory you can have.

Penelope Cruz...honey, I just don't know. On the one hand, specifically your right hand, you have the demigod otherwise known as Javiar Bardem. On the other hand, you just had a baby and I can totally respect the fact that diapers and bottles take over the part of your brain that processes fashion. But, honey, no. It looks a bit like a Phoenix which I can respect figuratively but literally? Uh uh.

Let's do this one as a math equation because, hey, I'm an English major so that should be fun, right? The bangs in relation to the necklace in proportion to the dress plus the bedazzled bodice of the (Dior) dress divided by the pink shoes = No. Not now. Not ever. Especially not Oscar.

Natalie Portman in Rodarte. Pregnant women really are so otherworldly beautiful, it doesn't even really matter what they wear (although that Golden Globes number was seriously questionable).
Michelle Williams in Chanel Couture. The dress has almost a milk glass shimmer to it that I love. She radiates.

Mandy Moore in Monique Lhuillier, both dresses. I love the first one, it really is just simply pretty. But I wasn't nuts about her lip color being so matchy matchy to her hair color but then I'm OCD so what do I know? The blue however really just about did me in. Sesame Street called, they want Snuffalufagus' drag look back.

Mila Kunis in lilac Elie Saab. This girl knows how to dress for her body type and her coloring. She came in a close second for best dressed in my book.

Marisa Tomei is getting a lot of negative feedback on her vintage Charles James navy gown but, as I'm sure you guessed, I love it. If it's vintage, I am suckered in especially if it predates 1959. But that's not the only reason I loved it so. The biggest reason was because she was in love with that dress and appreciated it's historical significance and that made it work. I would have suggested she have it tailored to fit her correctly in the bodice, however. As for her VF look? Quel snooze. She even looks bored.

Melissa Leo would have been better off wearing her VFP dress to the Oscars than the dress she chose which I immediately acclaimed looked like a doily draped over Jiffy Pop Deluxe.

Jennifer Lawrence in Calvin Klein. If you have a stylist, JL, I hope you sent her flowers this morning. Although I'm sure you didn't eat for 72 hours prior to slipping into this frock, she/he did you right here.

Jennifer Hudson in tangerine Versace. What's really amazing is the transformation JH has undergone with the help of Weight Watchers. You can't not applaud that. But I'm uber distracted by her ta-tas. That's just unnatural.

Helena Bonham Carter in Colleen Atwood, ie. the costume designer for Alice in Wonderland. I love you, Helena. Don't ever change, you brilliant, anti-Hollywood, dark horse.

Halle Berry in Marchesa. I am not loving the tulle on the bottom of this dress. In the original design, it was much more...bountiful? I do love my tulle. But she looks like a goddess and, I swear, does she not age? Beautiful.

Hailee Steinfeld, also in Marchesa which she helped to design. She is an adorable confection of bubbly girliness with some serious acting skills.

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.....oh, I'm sorry, I must have fallen asleep trying to process Gwyneth Paltrow standing in front of Oscar in a gold dress.

It's hard to pull off gold on the RC for the Oscars when the statue everyone is coveting is the same bloody color. I'd dare say it's completely taboo. However, I do love the cut of the second dress but the color, too, is a total snoozefest.

Florence Welch and all her magnetic thunder in Valentino Couture. Again with the not so exciting neutrals. Pale girls need color. But I do love the dress and I love her, just not together.

Cate, wonderful, Cate. In Givenchy. J'adore!

But I have to give it to Camila Alves, best dressed Oscars and Vanity Fair Party. Seriously, I have to admit, before I never really noticed her -- she was a bit too tan, a bit too bikini, and a bit too blond. But, um, wow. She is simply exquisite in both to the point that I am like, where's Matthew McConaughey (and his adorable Texas drawl)? She literally makes him disappear. If anyone else on earth had worn the black appliqued dress on the right, they would have looked ridiculous but her smooth, natural looks and cool, mysterious spirit? Enchanting.

Annette Bening and Warren Beatty's adoration on the Red Carpet for one another won me over. Though the dress does scare me a little bit.

Amy Adams in L'Wren Scott. While I didn't totally understand the jewelry, I adore her in this dress -- it's such a welcome reprieve from some of the more boring frocks she's donned as of late. The color is perfect for her and the cut is amazing. Definitely my third favorite!

The Vanity Fair Party is up next!

xoxo,
kvlm

What's Up New York!

2011-02-21T23:27:00.015-05:00

After a week of unplanned overtime on the job front, I'm finally getting caught up on Fashion Week! Oh, hoorah! So much is going on in London as we speak, I don't even want to look because I know I'll fall madly in love and not give New York a second thought. Sorry, New York, but I continue to feel a clinical and distant appreciation for your production while feeling strongly seduced by what's across the pond. Step it up, America, the future doesn't have to be so bleak.

Theysken's Theory

I love the diversity of this collection and though I wouldn't normally highlight denim, I love the styling of this look. Also, j'adore the velvet military duster and really would like to just live in it for awhile.

The Row

Mary Kate & Ashley finally impressed me with their Row collection -- this is actually wearable and quite interesting instead of depressing and shapeless.

Anna Sui

Inspired by the Ballet Russes exhibit at the V&A. As always, Sui delivers a lot of character but I still think I've reached the max age limit to even consider her work.

Ralph Lauren

Quite possibly the most perfect trifecta of black dresses seen on a runway in ages.

I am also loving Lauren's Asian-inspired touches within a 30's motif.

Naeem Khan

Gorgeous and ornate, in other words standard Naeem Khan.

Monique Lhuillier

Love this collection -- very French, very coquettish. The texture gives it so much life you don't even really notice the minimal color palette.

Marc Jacobs

I get that Marc went with the reinvention tour on this one, reinventing some of his earliest designs in much more structured models, but I..am...just...not...into...this. I know, I know, it's sacrilege especially given my constant outpouring of adoration for his work but, yeah, just not feeling these two above.

These three are more my speed but I'm still concerned.

Isaac Mizrahi

I love that Isaac Mizrahi is...well...so Isaac Mizrahi. He's not afraid to have fun on the runway and does New York need a heavy dose of his chutzpah! These pastel dipped confections mixed with actual baked confections and matching poodles to boot? I love! It's fun and flirty and every girl needs that on occasion.

Malandrino

If that third look was a dress, we'd have ourselves a full cauldron.

L'Wren Scott

L'Wren Scott always nails it, even when she's keeping things simple.

L.A.M.B.

This collection was sent out in several separate global influenced montages, if you will. I appreciate Gwen Stefani's open-minded nature that allows her to draw inspiration from all different cultures and sources around the world but it was a bit over kill. Plus, I can't not look at her line and just see her. If I want to look like Gwen, I could go to the costume store for about 10% of the price. Just sayin'.

Jenny Packham

Love. All Oscar-worthy (which is just a few days away).

Imitation

Soft glamgoth? Sure!

Carolina Herrera

Sometimes I feel like the motifs at Herrera get a little overworked but, at the same time, I am always a sucker for her dresses -- as are 100 movie stars so I'm sure we will see plenty of this on Sunday.

Diane von Furstenberg

I wasn't crazy about this collection; it felt a little overdone to me as well. But I love these first two looks -- especially the second which seems uber-eccentric for DVF. The third dress, while not my cup of tea, is a popular trend in evening wear these days, don't ask me why -- Linda Evans called, she wants her look back.

Derek Lam

Soft, billowy, romantic but still edgy. Love that guy.

Donna Karan

Donna Karan got some negative feedback on this show -- too stark some said, lady-like has been done 100 times other said, Grace Kellyisms are played still others said. I'm sure this will come as no shock to you given my penchant for vintage and all things classic Hollywood, but I love it. No, I wouldn't necessarily put all the pieces together because I'd feel like I was a pie away from the Women's Club, but a relaxed version of these could be oh so chic.

Dennis Basso

Makes me long for the Aran Islands and cool Irish breezes.

Creatures of the Wind

I think the copy on this collection that quoted the designers as saying the show was about sailors' wives and what they called the "romanticism of waiting for a husband they don't know for sure is coming back" really played into the seduction. I want them all now.

Christian Cota

I love the contrast; it's really appealing.

Chado Ralph Rucci

My favorite thing about this show was the architecture of the pieces -- obviously why he is known as the only American couturier.

Chris Benz

I am wildly in love with the Chris Benz collection inspired by the architecture, spirit and all too believable and enchanting ghost stories of Savannah, Georgia. Just lovely.

Carlos Miele

Once again, I do not like fur unless it's in faux formation but I am completely in love with these velvet pants and the harem-esque skirt. They are all divine.

Badgley Mischka

This is the most "breakout of our comfortable mold" I've seen the boys in awhile! I love these cocktail dresses, such a refreshing change from their ultra-formal, ultra-girly floor sweeping frocks of years gone by. These are much more fun, more powerful and scads sexier without relinquishing the level of class their garments are known for.

Betsey Johnson

Another American designer who knows how to have fun, this show really looked like it was a blast! She showed two different lines, a lot of throwback to classic Betsy, and a parade of Betsey look-alikes including men and women in fringe-banged blond wigs -- all on Valentine's Day, hence the rose parade in the middle shot. The second line was the official introduction of her new lower priced Pink Patch Line. You can't not love her, her spirit is simply contagious.

Bibhu Mohapatra

An interesting and creative blend of contemporary lines with really vintage-influenced pieces. I like that. A hard chord to strike, I think this is quite balanced.

Bill Blass

Another one I adore -- and I'm so glad to see the breath of life sweeping back through this line. Bill Blass is a legend and it's exciting to see a show of this caliber in his name again. I am loving the very Catherine Deneuve circa 1970's feel of it all.

Barbara Tfank

To say that something is lacking when watching a show online vs. watching it live must be a staggering understatement because for the most part, Barbara Tfank's show got good reviews. To me, from where I sit late at night, the house full of snoring boys, I thought it was just too mall/mother of the bride/bad prom dressy for me. But I did love what she did with leather -- especially in these two looks.

Alice & Olivia

Adore. Adore. Adore. And want it all.

A Detacher
There is something so subtle about these looks that they becoming terribly entrancing. I just love the simplicity but the strength of each piece. Of course it doesn't hurt that the line was described as "active wear for reading" which I've been waiting for my whole life.

3.1 Phillip Lim

Not my favorite 3.1 Phillip Lim show ever presented but he's still a favorite.

London is next -- stay tuned!
xoxo,
kvlm

More from New York

2011-02-13T11:52:00.009-05:00

Prabal Gurung

Um, wow. I am so very in love with this collection -- the color palette, the slightly unkemptness of it all and to find it was inspired by the fading Miss Havisham, well, as a literary lover, it makes me love it even more. (Although I would like to disclaim that Great Expectations has never made its way into my canon of favorites, I can completely get behind any literary reference in fashion as long as it as beautiful and as misfit as this.)

When I got done watching the show all I could say is, Prabal Gurung is a genius. It's that simple.

Jill Stuart

If you didn't click on the first trio of shots to see the detail in the very literal interpretation by Jill Stuart of Heidi Specker's photographs of the Black Forest in Germany, you are missing out. If you said to me, at any given moment in my life, there will be a dress with owls on it and you will fall head over heels to wear this dress, I would have laughed. If I don't have said dress, I may in fact implode!

What I love best about this collection, other than the colors and her interpretation of those photographs, is that she took something very organic -- which could have gone the way of being entirely too earth mother -- and made it sing with variety, feminism, and a hint of glamour. I love the way the pleating on the dresses almost feels like the unfolding wing of a bird perched high on a limb in the navy blue glow during the pitch of night.

What I also love about this line is that I don't tend to be seduced easily by Stuart's line -- to no offense of her, she is a fantastic designer. I've always liked but not necessarily loved it. This, well this I love. Every single piece of it.

Edun

Irish designer for Edun Sharon Wauchob is another new favorite in my book. At first, I was drawn just to the silhouette of these designs but on further inspection, I was completely wowed by the prints. The third just reminds me of the sea after a storm and the other two of mosaics. However, it seems that Wauchob found her inspiration in Romany culture, specifically wallpapers from the period. Stunning.

Vivienne Tam

Tam's collection was inspired by the Chinese Opera. I typically fall for her prints with her ancestral influence injected in every thread, but with this collection, I really struggled to find three that I liked. But you know I wasn't there and live, it was probably a wonderful show. The second reminds me of an old piano shawl and is therefore my absolute favorite. The more casual pieces were a bit heavy in my opinion compared to the delicacy of these frocks.

United Bamboo

Oh, phenomenal outerwear! How I love thee so! Also love the mix of navy, gray and black. It's soft military/menswear-esque, super feminine and although the outerwear seems very heavy, it's softened every so perfectly by the lady like shoes and legwear. I want.

threeASFOUR

Strolling through the footage of the threeASFOUR show, I couldn't help but think, "I can't see the clothes!" Turns out I wasn't the only one as this was a common complaint coming from all editors-at-large and the minions beneath them (just fyi, I am at least like a 30th tier minion as far as my ranking goes in the fashion press -- essentially, I don't rank so minions be insulted not!)

The show was inspired by stringed instruments and the relationship of sound and form. These two looks I thought were very interesting and cut really well. I am coveting the leather jacket with those pants! But overall, the collection was just too literal for my liking and I think the production took away from the mission I think they were trying to accomplish.

Suno

All I have to say is that designers Max Osterweis and Erin Beatty said they were inspired by old ladies and that I love. I have the pleasure of having several very fashionable older ladies in my life, both personally and professionally so I get how you would be inspired by them.

I also love and want all three of these dresses with their slightly crazy pattern mix and stacked shoes. Come to think of it, I'll also take the hair.

Mandy Coon

Stark and severe but I love the proportions and am now officially hooked on the long full skirt and dare I say, this Fall RTW showing has quite possibly triggered a desire in me for leather. But then I love a strong, dark, powerful female. Tres chic!

Libertine

Ah, Libertine! There you are! I was starting to worry...it's been awhile since last we talked.

So it turns out that Libertine didn't disappear, they were just maybe in cocoon mode waiting for this fresh energy to turn out this totally color 'wow' collection. I love the symbiosis of 60's inspired shapes with this veritable mixture of matrix prints. I am especially coveting the coat on the far right.

Kimberly Ovitz

On the one hand, she's a young designer who is still finding her legs. On the other hand, she's got that yellow and black dress pretty much down to a laser-cut science. I like the first look because, well, it's moody (keep your comments to yourself). And although I don't fully understand the straight-jacket-come-sweater on the far right (nor the strange pants lurking underneath), I like it. It makes me want a rainy day and a cup of hot tea.

Jeremy Blaing

I'm a sucker for draping. When I was in fashion design school, it was absolutely my favorite class outside of history of costume. These pieces are beautifully and magically draped. The middle is practically an Erte come to life and that coat is just divine.

G-Star

I'll admit I have never been aboard the G-Star parade float. The line has always been so over the top that I couldn't bear to even make it through the whole show. But I like this collection -- it feels a bit more grown-up, a hair more chic and definitely better edited.

Again with the leather -- I may be developing a habit.

doo.ri

Wasn't my favorite doo.ri collection to date but I am a sucker for this shade of blue and black together. The draping, too...amazing. Of course she's known for that. I also love the boots.

Costello Tagliapietra

The collection was inspired by the '70's and the '90's. What caught my eye most was definitely the color and the flow of the dresses! Gorgeous and romantic, I want every one -- especially the green. What an amazing dress and what a unique shade. And what is this I see? Bare legs -- may be the first I've seen out of any of the fall collections. It's so what I'm used to having given up most legwear ages ago; now, of course, I find myself in Givenchy hosiery almost daily if there is a skirt or dress involved.

Altuzarra

Also inspired by the '90's, specifically grunge and Kate Moss' penchant for wearing tiny-argyle-nothings under huge parkas during that decade, Altuzarra managed to nail the look without going too nostalgic. It's just simply sexy and I dig that.

Adam
Amazing collection considering that designer Adam Lippes lost almost his entire collection weeks before the show to a fire; he was able to salvage his show, quite brilliantly, with the help of -- get this -- a nearby knitting circle. What a story to tell. The show itself told a story of Native American infused indigenous-looking knits, dresses, and separates to much aplomb.

Alexander Wang

It's a good thing I overindulged on coffee this morning because getting to the end of this takes a lot of energy! So much to think about, so much to write! If you've made it this far, I thank you. Alexander Wang delivered to me what I was so dearly missing from Rag and Bone this year -- some downtown powergirl chic. I adore the skinny pant in pink -- and, no, I can't believe those words came out of my mouth either but paired with the heavy black, they look tough. They are also available in blue! Fabulous.

Ok, my pets, more to come!

xoxo,
kvlm

Day Oneish of NY Fashion Week

2011-02-12T01:02:00.009-05:00

So yesterday's post was Part 1 of Fashion Week but the runway didn't really start until yesterday. Behold...

Wes Gordon

I am completely in love with Wes Gordon. What a magnificent and romantic collection. And the setting really lent itself to the all over feel of his aesthetic. It was a little Garbo-Hepburnesque but at the same time, made me pine for Dorothy Parker and the Algonquin Roundtable. J'adore!

Wayne

Wayne is probably better known for the leather she put down this fall's runway but I fell for the draping in looks one and two and the urban appeal of the third look. All of it very powerful.

Tess Giberson

No, I don't typically like fur and I'll take faux over real any day of the week, but these were definitely my favorite of Giberson's looks -- well really I think it was the onset of my rekindled love for outerwear. Oh how I love fall...

Christian Siriano

We all know I love Christian Siriano -- his personality, his design skills, etc. But I'm unsure on this one. The looks above won me -- they are quintessential Siriano, though maybe edited more so than in collections past. The pink and gray is absolutely stunning and the middle look, well....something about it reminds me a little of McQueen which is always appreciated (though maybe it's because McQueen is on my mind given it's the year anniversary of his passing).

But this....this I'm not sure of. The first look just does not look like him at all -- and maybe it's because he hired a stylist to help tone down his sometimes overindulgent take on fashion. But that's what we all love about him; he's over the top but it works -- obviously, he's the only Project Runway winner that has just about become a household name.

I like the second look in this line up but when I saw it, I didn't think Siriano -- I thought maybe that model got lost coming over from Calvin Klein...probably she is delirious from food deprivation. And while I do like the way the third dress floats, there is something about it that still is off his mark.

Please, New York, don't ruin Siriano by shoving him into your box. Let creativity be.

Ruffian

Fun. Black. Party frocks. Sexy and playful. You really can't go wrong there.

Richard Chai Love

Again with my addiction to outwear. I love how chic and clean these first two looks are and, obviously, I love the pants. They are pants right?

Rebecca Taylor

Heaven, heaven, heaven. All of it, right down to the legwear! Sign me up!! It's a little '40's inspired and that is always, always ok in my book.

Rebecca Minkoff

Very powerful and sexy. I love the leather jacket with the long flowing skirt, another trend that is happening on a lot of runways. Lower your hems, girls. It just says New York to me, in that good let's go down to the Village and have a coffee then roam every fashion venue for an entire day way. I could really use one of those.

Rag and Bone

Tres disappointed with this collection. I am such a huge Rag and Bone fan and I always look for them to bring me my much needed dosage of downtown-badass-fempower looks. And this...well, this just isn't it. Honestly, when I look at this trio of representations, I see Scotland. Normally, that would thrill me given my affinity for the country. However, it's not the country I see, it's the flags. It's the yellow and red lion mixed with St. Andrews cross compiled into legwear that looks worthy of a ski lift and dresses that are worthy of, well, kilts? Or better yet, lining up for William Wallace's battle. Just give me a can of blue war paint.

The whole collection smacked of those two pages in my childhood encyclopedia that covered all of the major flags of the European nations. I am all about finding inspiration in vague places but this...this is a bit much.

Rachel Comey

Also feels a bit '40's to me. I love the outerwear, the deconstructed coat on the left is unexpected with that floral skirt but it works beautifully. I love the combination of rust colors in the second look that make it seem almost vintage and the mutton sleeves on the third coat make me swoon.

Peter Som

Peter Som's tailoring is in a word glorious. I love how streamlined his collections are but they also don't lack curves -- a harmonious balance. Romantic without being over the top, nostalgic without being too specific which makes him quite the contemporary.

Luca Luca

Lady-like and quaint, I really love the color palette. And the shoes.

Jenny Kayne

Jenny Kayne's line also strikes a balance -- of minimalism without the sacrifice of sex appeal. So often, minimalist looks wind up straddling that fine line between clean/simple and complete androgyny. I am, even though I tend to go for the glam or the dark, attracted to minimalist looks but often get turned off by how clinical they are -- and how un-womanly. These pieces capture all of that and I simply love the color-drenched separates.

Jason Wu

There aren't enough words -- clearly my favorite collection so far, Jason Wu shines once again. The world should write him a love letter. It was a clear cut of sexy androgynous looks mixed with total feminism. Very sexy indeed, right down to the show's production.

How did we ever live without Jason Wu before? Every woman should own at least one of his dresses -- they are truly awe-inspiring. Just ask Mrs. Obama.

More later -- so much more. New York never sleeps, you know, especially when there is fashion to be had.

xoxo,
kvlm

Fall 2011 RTW: Part 1

2011-02-10T16:27:00.012-05:00

I'm house bound and car-less thanks to our good friend snow and finally taking a break from my domestic goddess duties to gaze longingly at all of the coverage coming out of New York. My picks from each collection that has traipsed out so far are...

as always, click on images for larger view

St. John

These top three are actually not my favorites and while I try to not say anything too terribly negative during the shows, I just have to ask a simple question here: what in the bloody hell St. John? I am pretty sure those are falconry gloves for one thing; and for another -- this is just simply not St. John. I am confused by these pseudo-Ralph Lauren-scary-bridesmaid-from-a-time-gone-by looks. Confused and scared I tell you!!

Ah...this is more like it. This is what I expect from a dose of St. John. Prim, lady like, very Town & Country. I really adore the trapeze coat -- it is one of a few I've seen in the line up for fall.

Willow

Very sophisticated looks from Willow; tailored, sharp but still romantic. And I love how urban they made equestrian feel.

Steven Alan

I don't tend to get down with too much 1970's inspired fashion but this I like. It's standard boho chic and I completely get behind that.

Z Spoke Zac Posen

A year after its launch, Z Spoke is defining its creator's very words: Z Spoke is "a line for the strong willed business women who transforms into an elegant, downtown creature at night." It's a fun line and would definitely attract a very diverse clientele. Well done, of course, Mr. Posen -- not that anyone ever had any doubt. I love the styling and of course, Coca Rocha (above) and Crystal Renn (below) are two of my favorites. (Though somewhat disappointed that Crystal has gone all "typical model" on us and lost her Rubenesque figure but at least she is healthy.)

Organic by John Patrick

This wool coat on the left is ridiculously yummy. She looks like a Russian spy from 1946. And the yellow? Can I have it in every color? Also love the styling of this show with the Hunter lace up black boots -- I've gotten pretty tired of the Hunter Wellies since every girl this side of the Nordic Sea under the age of 40 has a pair, but these are different. They are a little more "go to hell" and I like that in my boots. (Sadly, they are yet unavailable on Hunter's website.)

Norma Kamali

Oh, Norma. How I love thee! Ok, honestly, I could probably only get away with the second look but the first and third are just fun and so Norma Kamali. I adore her. Right down to her perfectly framed glasses (that I have subsequently been coveting for years and have yet to buy).

Nicholas K

You know me, if there is plaid involved or any small pulse of Highland inspiration, I'm in. Gorgeous, romantic, yet a little rough around the edges. Does it say "I'm off to fight the battle on my own while looking wistfully fetching and wanting to be swept up?" Sure it does; and there's nothing wrong with that.

Lyn Devon
There was something almost a little too comfortable about this collection that turned me off -- hey, I do not look good in sweats and I can admit that. Comfortably. But these three looks I found pretty, soft and easy -- which I suppose is the whole point.

Gary Graham

A little messy, a little punk, a little boho and is that a little Joan Jett? Well, in any case, I'm a little intrigued. It wasn't exactly what I would call my aesthetic but it was interesting and fun. It's been a few seasons since the runways have been fun so I say go for it!

BCBG Max Azria

I'm admittedly confused by my emotions when it comes to BCBG Max Azria. I really want to like it and I like certain elements of it -- I mean it is very easy chic and very fluid in the way that it falls -- which I like. But I'm never 100% on board. I feel like, for this collection, I need to be on board...the Star Trek Starboard Bow. Yes, its a bit futuristic-Trek uniform for me in places but I do love the color story and I adored the full skirts with (yes) more "go to hell" boots. But the sheer white turtlenecks were too clinical and felt too heavy. Under a sweater in 11 degree weather (like today)? Perfect. But under a frock? I'm not so sure.

Valentine's Day and Rachel Zoe

2011-02-08T22:53:00.004-05:00

Ok, those two things but not necessarily together. I know I just posted but since I visited the past, I felt it important to highlight the present and the future as well -- gotta stay current, right?

Future first: mark your calendar (or at least leave yourself a little sticky on your computer monitor, ribbon around your finger, alarm? whatever) for the February 14 unveiling of Urban Outfitters bridal line. I'll admit, I was scared when I read this at first and even more so while waiting for the site tease to load. I like UO for certain things but for bridal? I was really scared the page would open to some malnourished dark-haired hipster who could just not relinquish her cool for the 12 hours it takes to carry out your nuptials in style.

I will gladly say I was wrong...this is quite beautiful: www.bhldn.com. I am kind of in love with the music, the not terribly defining (tease) shots make me all warm and gooey (like a bride should feel -- mission accomplished UO marketing team) and the sparkly shoes with the pom poms? Um, sign me up. I would renew my vows for those chaussures.

And speaking of things I was scared of, Rachel Zoe's newly designed/launched fall line has just made its way to the public eye. Don't get me wrong, I don't dislike Rachel Zoe -- she's an excellent stylist. But I get a little side-eyed about non-trained (read: you-didn't-go-into-any-kind-of-debt-for-a-design-degree-nor-do-you-know-how-to-sew) celebrity types adding "fashion designer" to their resume. But if anyone is going to do it, it may as well be a stylist. At least they actually know about clothes in some sort of academic sense and not in just some, "OMG I totally love this" sense.

Her line is not bad. I found myself extremely attracted to these particular ensembles:

My only criticism? (Come one, you knew there'd be at least one.) I feel like I've seen a lot of this before either on her or on a runway. Particularly, it felt a little Kors-y-Mizrahi-ish-Ford-ic. I mean the red suit is almost identical to Tom Ford's for Gucci red velvet of the '90's (that I still dream about on occasion). But I like it nonetheless and no doubt, given her total schtick, it will do very well.

Next thing you know, she'll be designing military baby jackets with short ruffley skirts and 2" heel crib shoes; she is, afterall, pregnant. I may have to draw the line there. Careful, Ms. Zoe. We shant press our fashion luck.

xoxo,
kvlm

Dovima Darling

2011-02-08T22:11:00.006-05:00

As I'm anxiously awaiting Fashion Week to start and feeling terribly bored with winter frocks (and especially snow), I find myself (as usual) reminiscing -- lamenting for the past. I've always had that kind of heart that pines for days gone but it's more than that; I pine for these clothes, this style, and certainly this sophistication. Can you blame me? Apparently I'm not the only one given the nod to the past every season on every runway.

This past fall I was lucky enough to see the Victoria & Albert Museum Couture Exhibit at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts. Yes, I went three times (and, yes, I cried...once? ok, ok, maybe twice). Anyway, part of the exhibit included Richard Avedon photographs (among other famous photographers of the time like Irving Penn and Cecil Beaton). Of course, we all know this photograph:

This is Dovima. In the first evening gown designed by Yves Saint Laurent for Christian Dior. Photographed by Richard Avedon. Timeless and enchanting...

She seems to be following me, this Dovima. I've seen here everywhere since the exhibit -- most recently while getting the sorely missed blond streak dyed back into my sadly boring black locks (at the loveliest salon in Nashville, I might add, Trim) she eyed me while I sat idly for three hours in a swiveling chair while sipping lemon water (she was having a cigarette to which I scowled at briefly).

The thing about Dovima, other than she was one of -- if not the most -- famous model of the '50's, is that not only does she so elegantly embody all of those characteristics I hold dear from the decade, she also reminds me of my grandmother who was, if nothing, always ridiculously fashionable.

Here, a few shots of Dovima in her legendary aristocratic bombshell-ness...and a couple of Vii, also legendary -- in her own right.

kvlm

Paris in the Spring Time

2011-01-26T22:23:00.014-05:00

To quote the song, I love Paris in the spring time -- especially spring couture time. Having just perused the handful of collections to float down the runways over the past two days, I can easily say that I am enchanted. If you shut out the noise and close your eyes for a second, you can almost pretend you are in a salon 50 years ago seeing the latest trends before the world even knows they exist. Exquisite nostalgia.

My favorites so far: click on images for a larger view; and do yourself a favor, turn on the music in the lower right column. fashion requires a soundtrack...

Chanel

Two of my all time favorite models, they look the part of the dark rebel and the silver ghost.

I really love the l'theatre feel of this collection; it lacks the severity that usually exists in a Chanel show. This is somehow simpler, a bit younger, and much lighter. The flats really exaggerate that and of course now I want ballet flats for everything (though my feet highly disagree). There were reportedly 10,000 beads used in this collection -- amazing the hours and time that go into couture garments.

Givenchy

Can I just begin by saying that although I do not always understand the millinery genius that is Philip Treacy, his "hats" (and that feels entirely too simple a word to describe them) really mesmerize me. This collection by Riccardo Tisci for Givenchy was said to be inspired by Japan and more specifically by toy robots and the Butoh dancer Kazuo Ohno. At first glance, to me, I certainly can see that but I also see an entomological extravaganza. Each one looks like a still insect of a rare breed about to take flight. Amazing architecture, that I cannot begin to understand the complexity of when it comes to cloth, deserves much credit.

Bouchra Jarrar

Bouchra Jarrar is fascinated with asymmetry -- which is a beautiful thing. I love how unbalanced an asymmetrical garment can seem but, as he put, so harmonious. These pieces are all so very easy and sexy. I am a big fan. Can I please have that little black dress in every color?

Alexis Mabille

Mabille actually constructed each piece first in stark white and then duplicated it precisely in rich, attention demanding color. Obviously, the white frocks didn't get my attention as much as the color and at times it was a bit confusing. But I do love the boldness of these designs. They look as if they were made for a duchess.

Jean Paul Gaultier

Congratulations to Jean Paul Gaultier who will have his first museum retrospective at The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts this year. It's about time. This collection was standard JPG blended with what seemed a bit of punk, a bit of burlesque and a bit of lady-like sex appeal. So, yeah, basic Gaultier. He does it like no other.

Armani Prive

Again, major credit to Philip Treacy for creating such excellent and perfectly matched headpieces for this very unique Armani Prive collection. Armani was apparently inspired by the hues and glimmer of gemstones, which is terribly apparent. The slinky sheen of each piece took me a minute to completely adjust to but after the first few images, I was kind of hooked -- especially to the classic cut of all of the suits. It's very futuristic in its aesthetic but the actual tailoring is classic and impeccable. There was also the rumor that it was a bit "Lady Gaga" and we know that the designer has collaborated with her for some of her looks, but I really was reminded more of Debbie Harry -- especially with the super metallic leggings under skirts. Blondie, the original, 20 years from now.

Elie Saab

There's a reason the Oscars are strewn every February with Saab gowns. He definitely knows his away around a woman's body. And, as usual, his collection was a crayola-soaked line up of colors but I especially loved the blush. It draws so much more attention to the actual detail of the dress because you aren't overpowered by the hue. It's all very sexy but simultaneously very lady like and that, honestly, is so much sexier.

Valentino

Since Chiuri and Piccioli's promotion to head designers for Valentino, I have been repeatedly on the fence about their collections, if not one foot on the side of complete indifference. Slowly, I'm adjusting. It's a hard change to absorb -- Valentino is Valentino and to think of anyone else in his shoes (as if they could fit their feet) is still somewhat mind-boggling.

At any rate, I pseudo-like this collection as I did their A/W 2010. So that's two for...? Well, who's counting? But do let me explain my definition of pseudo-like. I actually love the details of every single piece above. I love the color, the weight, the delicacy, the complexity, and the juxtaposition of all of those things within one piece. But it seems to me that each show is struggling with an identity crisis of sorts. It borders tween and borders matronly at the same time. So, is that their version of staying current (tween) and keeping with the maturity (matron) of the line? I'm not sure but there are elements of both in almost every dress and it almost throws me off. Therefore, I am pseudo-in like.

Of course...I'd take any of them if you gave them to me. More from Paris tomorrow...

Bonne nuit!
xoxo,
kvlm

J'Adore Dior

2011-01-25T00:15:00.010-05:00

That's not news, of course. I should have probably just dedicated every word herein from the onset of this blog-addiction to M. Dior. He was, by far, my favorite -- with a close second, third, and fourth being Chanel, Valentino and Vionnet respectively -- as far as the original sculptors of everything we know fashion to be now go.

While there have only been four shows out of Paris' Spring 2011 Couture, I can unequivocally say that this one left me palpitating. It feels like a talc powder dusted hat box filled with plastic pastel framed glasses from the '50's and it looks like a fashion illustration from 1952 come to life underneath a halo of aubergine and cerulean. Decadent, all of it. Right down to the model's perfectly gestured hands, each gloved tip reminiscent of a time gone by; their molded hair and wax red lips exquisitely coupled with ivory coated skin and stark black lined eyes.

Yes, it smacks of vintage and, yes, historically, that is kind of my thing. But I think Galliano's return to a canon of absolute genius is a wise choice for the House of Dior. The quintessential elements of the 50's (and every other notable decade of our last century) are certainly not going any where. And speaking of historical references, is it just me or do I see some classic Valentino references in these frocks...?

breathtaking, truly...

Dear Anne Hathaway, dress on the left. Oscars.

*sigh* Just makes the imagination run completely wild. If ever that was a choice on a designer taking over a House that was just meant to be, then surely it is Galliano for Dior. The King reigns supreme.

More from Paris tomorrow....

xoxo,
kvlm

Time to Make a Change?

2010-12-29T19:59:00.008-05:00

Sadly, it's too late for model Isabelle Caro who is gone at the age of 28. Though her death is just making the rounds today, she reportedly died in Tokyo in early November.

Why is the death of this particular model so poignant? Well, because Isabelle suffered from anorexia -- she, like so many in the fashion and entertainment industry, was the victim of a mentality that needs to stop. The mentality that to be beautiful, one must be thin.

From the early couturier houses in France, the need for a model to be thin can be documented. But there was a reason for that -- rations, manhours, expense, and the simple fact that the industry then was an 1/8 of the size it is today. Say you are starting a fashion house in the early 20th century, we've been through one war and about to enter into another one. You have little money, maybe one backer, a cramped room full of seamstresses that need pay, and, if you are a lucky, a small list of clients. Makes sense for your models to all be a size six, no? Less cloth? Less time on the machines? A quicker line to walk out to a potential buyer? Sure. I can appreciate that.

But we aren't exactly in those times now are we? And to throw in more causation, we certainly didn't have the media then that we have now. So you then throw in the Karl Lagerfeld's (who seems to be changing ever so slowly on this subject) and the Kate Moss' with their elite commentary on how important it is to be skinny and it makes the rounds to hundreds of thousands of young girls and women and you have yourself an epidemic of eating disorders, dysmorphia, obsession, body issues and low self-esteem.

Thankfully there are some in the industry that are doing things to change the perception of what makes a model, or a woman, beautiful. Those people I salute. But it's not enough. There needs to be an all out strike when fashion industry insiders take time away from the Starbucks or Grey Goose long enough to insult a 14 year-old reading Vogue in Wisconsin who then decides not to eat for a week.

Or, as in the case of Isabelle, a law needs to be passed. After losing friends to the disease and struggling with it herself, she offended the Milan fashion set in 2007 with these No Anorexia Ads:

Additionally, Isabelle was lobbying the French government to pass a law that would prohibit models from working in the fashion industry if they did not weigh enough. Her bravery, amazing. Her death, unnecessary.

Surely her passing will not be in vain and the example she was trying to set in France will resonant in the other fashion capitals. If not, I feel even more sorry for what we are doing not only to the beauty and innovation that is/was the fashion industry, but what we continue to do to our kids. And, let's face it, the adults. Afterall, we are just kids in grown-up skin.

Be healthy but most importantly, be you. That's really the most beautiful thing you can do. Let Isabelle be a reminder to us all that fighting for what you believe, standing up against antiquated principles, and embracing who you are are what make us strong and beautiful -- it's quite simply not your dress size.

kvlm

Ringing in my Ears

2010-12-22T22:11:00.005-05:00

No, this is not a post about jewelry (speaking of which, I cannot bring myself to wear more than one kind of jewelry at any one time but that is another blog for another day). This is to refresh my presence in the blogosphere and perhaps to reaffirm for myself why I maintain this site.

And how did I happen on this little nugget of enlightenment today? Well, I'd like to give my thanks to Nashville. Having moved here six months ago, I wasn't entirely sure what I was in store for. The first few months proved to be a tremendous acclimation not only for myself but my family as well. Nashville is truly unique -- in a lot of great ways and a lot of ways that make you occasionally speechless.

Well, now that I'm over the hump of adjustment and have developed my very own personal Nashville (read: outskirts and neighboring counties) filter, I can finally see the budding cultural delicacy for the trees.

Even still, I have moments where I wonder...what am I doing here? There has to be a bigger meaning to why my path kept steering itself in the direction of this city. Yes, for starters, it was the job; and certainly having family here only made the path shine a little bit brighter but, being the introspective thinker that I am, I knew there had to be greater meaning somewhere.

I don't seriously deign to think I've discovered all of my silver-Nashville-lining but I know I've discovered part of it and that is in this wonderfully encompassing, bohemian, supportive, artistic, proactive, ambitious community of designers, artists, musicians, stylists, and all-around art enthusiasts that continually find their way into my day. Have I delved in deep? No, not yet. Do I want to become a part of what will utlimately be the shift for this city to not just been seen as a country music haven? Absolutely.

I am quite blessed in my job to be around so many artists -- people I work with and who frequent our building. I've met so many singer/songwriters, artists, writers, designers...it seems like every day I find myself being inspired by what's around me. And that, my friends, is quite irreplacable.

I've suffered from writers block for many years now -- off and on -- and if there is such a thing as a creative block, I'm pretty sure I've suffered from that as well. But maybe it wasn't so much about what I could or couldn't do but more about where I was or where I wasn't. Not to say that my previous residence didn't have its very own distinctive creative vibe but it was never one that I fit into rightly.

So...this is a fashion blog, where's the fashion in this post? Well I've just stumbled across a post on elle.com celebrating some of the popular hotspots in Nashville for just the thing I've been talking about. Nashville also recently announced their nationally recognized and corporate sponsored Spring Fashion Week. And I say, it's about time!

Will these things pacify that artists' nature that's starving within me, you know the one you repress time and time again because of those things we know and love that people call "grown-up responsibilities?" No. Not entirely. But I certainly hear, ringing in my ears, this line which has followed me around for many years: "go confidently in the direction of your dreams; live the life you've imagined!"

best wishes to all of you for a happy, healthy and successful new year! may it be all that you wish it to be!

xoxo,

kvlm

Met Costume Exhibition: 2011

2010-11-10T22:16:00.008-05:00

The news broke today that New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual costume exhibition will highlight the legacy of the late Alexander McQueen. Given the universal adoration for not only McQueen's design aesthetic but also for the designer personally, I imagine this will be one of the most well attended exhibits the Costume Institute will ever have. Like going to see a Pollock restrospective, reverant in the knowledge a brilliant mind was taken from the art world before its time, the McQeen exhibit will no doubt inspire us and move us. His death, a shock that will take years for the industry to overcome.

Lee McQueen was certainly one of my favorite designers. His flare for dramatic, voluminous, historically punctuated, and terribly sexy -- and terribly sought after -- fashions hold their place rock steady in the history of costume, the history of the industry, the history of the UK, and the history of art. There aren't enough words for those who followed his climb to the hierarchy of the fashion world to express the impact he had.

As such, I've put together this (albeit) small restrospective of some of my favorite McQueen moments and motifs. I'm sure these will be plentiful over the next year, especially after the exhibit opens in May. Until then...McQueen:

xoxo,
kvlm

French Vogue Turns 90 and American Fashion Puts Me to Sleep

2010-10-06T23:34:00.014-04:00

Let me sum up paragraph one in one sentence: I'm ages behind writing blah blah blah.

Ok, so we cleared that bit up. Sorry for the fashion hiatus, I am sure some of you have just been sitting around wondering...where is that kvlm?? How dare she leave us hanging at the edge of the fashion pinnacle that is Spring 2011 Ready to Wear? I mean really...the world needs to know what's going on on those runways.

Or not. Yes, I'm behind. Does it matter? No, not really. Not when we have heightened security encompassing the whole of Europe while the fashion set frolic around Paris as if it's 1927.

I've got this mad OCD issue that only allows me to peruse the runway shows as they hit the press in the order that they occur. If I deter from that, something snaps in my brain. So while Paris is in fact turning out some beautiful things even as we speak, I'm barely through New York's Fashion Week let alone London or Milan.

I'm gonna wrap New York fashion week up for ya though -- get used to these things: white, ethereal frocks, orange sun soaked textiles, and our continued attempt at "fashion forward" thinking otherwise known as deconstructed minimalism (zzzzzzzzzzz). Honestly, it was one extreme or the other. But then when is it not? I know it makes me a horrible American to say this but AMERICAN FASHION IS SO BORING (with the exception of a handful of designers). I mean really...we either need to get out more or get thee to a library. It's unimaginative and uninteresting. PLUS...is there a reason we have to have 198,000 runway shows in one week's time as opposed to the 40 the other cities have? Oh, right, because we are a land of more is better. Right.

I say we scale New York Fashion Week back to those designers that really set trends, have a solid reputation, and realistically break open the proverbial box, and sprinkle that with a healthy does of newbies. All of these other shows that seem like maybe they only occur for the sake of a few or at the want of someone's grossly over-funded semi-imaginative thought processes could be housed either the week before or the week after. But then I'm not in charge...so...moving on.

So, yes, I prefer Parisian fashions. Who doesn't? They are colorful, sexy, charming, witty and wildly unique. What I love even more is when you toss Parisian fashion with a little masquerade and you get a culmination of the elite fashion set looking either perfect or perfectly inane. Behold La Bal Masque (du French) Vogue:

(HRH) Carine Roitfeld, Editor Extraordinaire, rocking a chic 1960's cat woman look:

And with Jean Paul Gaultier:

Gisele Bundchen. We have a rule about Gisele. Her name should always be said very quickly and with a German accent. It hasn't quite taken on verb form in the household yet but I fear it will. And she's Brazilian. Go figure.

I'm neither here nor there about her ensemble (although I'd like that mask, please...I am sure it would go over really well at our neighborhood Publix). What strikes me is how ridiculously thin she is. Maybe she should have spent the money she spent on her frock on an all you can eat buffet. I prefer my Gisele with curves, thank you very much. If I need to cut a window out of my car, I'll call a professional. I don't need Gisele's shoulder blade or clavicle to do it for me.

And speaking of skinny...Anna Dello Russo, Editor at Large for Vogue Japan. I kind of love her. She might be my current fashion hero. And I don't know what's going on with this hat but I do know if anyone can wear this, it's her.

Diane von Furstenberg obviously went to the same milliner. Of course, Diane can do no wrong, either, and that lovely bloke on her arm, Zac Posen, looks eerily like he wandered out of a Dracula film for this shindig. Not that there is a thing in the world wrong with that (is it just me or has Zac been skipping dessert?)

All hail Dita Von Teese.

She's magnifique! Always. Adore her, adore her, adore her.

But then there was a lot to adore. It's Paris, it's fashion, it's divine, it's everything you want your fashion to be. But there's always got to be a couple of people who maybe read the invitation wrong or had some sort of fashion catastrophe immediately proceeding said ball. In this case, those people are Karolina Kurkova, Kate Moss and Tyra Banks.

When you Google Karolina Kurkova, one would think Victoria's Secret would be the first thing to pop up. But, yeah, no. It's "Karolina Kurkova Weight"...the untold secrets of her weight problem. Folks, if she has a weight problem then I, and many that I know, must be prepping for our roles in Shamu's show down at Sea World. She's gorgeous and curvy -- in all the right spots (though not in this shot...she obviously needs to hit up that buffet as well). Really, you people need to watch Mad Men and get on with the clue that stick insect/no curves is NOT sexy. It's boring. And kind of scary.

But then so is this ensemble. It's like Batman ate Big Bird. Or similar. I'm not sure if I'm supposed to be scared of her, ask her to protect me, or put her in the oven with carrots. It's very confusing. Much like her "weight problem."

I'm no Kate Moss fan. I never have been, never will be. Sure, I get the appeal and the whole "look at me, I'm a waif" thing but the whole "doing drugs when you are a single parent" thing...yeah, that I cannot support in any facet. I don't care if she's in an orange jumpsuit at county or in a orange Lacroix at the Place de Vendome. Call me old-fashioned.

And this photo is such a great example of that sort of reckless Kate we all know and are tired of hearing about. How she still lands campaigns is beyond me because she looks a hair away from a spoon and a candle in some dark hotel room with a Billie Holiday record skipping in the background. There are just so many other interesting people in fashion. Please put Kate in rehab and let's all agree to move on.

Let me first disclaim that I am a huge fan of the TyTy (or Tyra as she is known to the outer circle). I don't always agree with what goes down on her shows, but I like that she is doing something to transform the way people see "pretty." However, throwing a fishnet over your punim and mixing that with soft-Bob Mackie is not a look I can get behind. She looks like she went swimming and got her face caught in a tuna net. And in a last ditch effort to draw attention away from her aquatic faux pas, she hit up the costume rejects from the made-for-tv-movie, Merlin.

Dear Tyra, you are friends with Andre. Please consult.

So tomorrow...ok, maybe not tomorrow, but soon...I promise highlights from the runways. There is much to share but so much to not bother you (or anyone) with. Sadly. Of course Vogue (American, French, Japanese....) may beg to differ that point but they are just selling you magazines and, well, I'm not selling you a thing.

xoxo,
kvlm

G-d I Love Gareth Pugh

2010-08-26T17:48:00.000-04:00

and Raquel Zimmerman...

Tourture

2010-07-07T23:25:00.007-04:00

A first on FPS: I'm about to rip on a show. I kind of have a golden rule about ripping on a designer's show (karma, respect, etc.) and try hard though I may to keep my (sometimes negative) thoughts to myself, I can't hold it in on this one any longer. I hated the Valentino show. Ok, maybe I am partial to the genius of the "ancient regime" (though I don't really consider it so ancient) but I have tried for several collections now to like what Pier Paolo Piccioli and Maria Grazia Chiuri put out and it's just not happening.

This collection is reported to be marketed to the Twilight set (really? Valentino? really? Twilight? Did the earth just spin off its axis?) and a spin on the dark side of first love. Well I can tell you my feelings are dark, I do not love it and I can be silent no more.

We'll hit a few I did like first (there were maybe six total):

I like the these first two looks because they incorporate classic Valentino elements with a fashion forward design. The third one is a romantic spin on being trapped, obviously a throwback to the dark side of first love. It looks ready for a museum show and that I like. Well, honestly, it looks like a dress form from the 1800's and that I can get behind.

Ok, so much I hate about this. 1) the fit. Maybe the models came back from a weekend bender and no longer fit the clothes. 2) the cut...ok, yes, classic couture lines, blah blah blah but I'm pretty sure I saw look 2 at my high school prom or, in the very least, at Talbots. 3) look 3 looks like the mini-dress-hooker-version of Nanny McPhee's ensemble before she turned into the beautiful Emma Thompson. But then they kind of all 3 look like sad dolls dressed by an evil, homicidal sociopath of a child in need of meds.

I think the first one was probably a lot more interesting on paper than it is in real life. It looks like she got attacked in the floral department at the grocery. Or had some kind of collision with the model in look 3 (maybe that is, in fact, the bird that once was flitting about in model 3's cage). The 2nd looks like coffee filters gone wrong, or, for a history of costume reference, ruff's gone wild. There just aren't enough words for look 3. There are a dozen other designers I could name that this would not surprise me to see come down their runway but Valentino is usually not known for the avant garde. So park it.

Ok...look 1 here looks like it came straight out of a design school workshop. Le snooze. But looks 2 and 3 are just killing me with their overeager youthfulness which really just looks like a cutesy version of a mourning frock and the cabaret version of a vicar's dress (picture if you will a vicar doing "Big Spender" during a G-d fearing Sunday sermon). What of these things don't go together? Ahem.

Does the dark side of first love also come with no concept of reason, proportion, style or sex appeal? Because I remember my first love and it was more like rainbows and puppy dogs, not some back room of an abbey role play. Actually, no, my first love revolved around depressing poetry and song lyrics (thank you, Robert Smith) but still...I never resembled a puritan, vicar, or recently exhumed historical figure.

Again with the vicar. I can't control it, it's just what it reminds me of..."careful there, Vicar..." Oy. The 2nd look is one part hefty, one part jiffy pop. Or maybe more than one party jiffy because is it just me or does that small yellow-ish detail look exactly like popcorn? And then that bodice, which was repetitive (redundant?) on this runway that was obviously made for the breasts of a pre-teen and fashioned out of bandage from a first aid kit. Did someone have an incident over a jiffy pop and movie night and find inspiration? Methinks so. The 3rd look almost had me, and would have sustained me, if it weren't for that unsightly pink bow that is terribly off center. She's more like the ghost of first love -- roaming the halls of some decaying mansion waiting for any man to enter so she can choke him to death with that little pink bow screaming the name "Valentino" all the while.

Too harsh?

Sigh. It's so very sad to feel this way about a line no longer designed by its inventor whom I completely adore. No one wants to dislike the next generation but I can't seem to help myself feel completely unsatisfied by the offerings of these two. I find that the accessories (the shoes, the gloves) tend to catch my favored attention more so than anything else they design -- mais oui! They were the accessories designers before be given this post after Monsieur Valentino's retirement! And it shows. And I sleep. And I wait for someone to take their place who will honor the name that is Valentino. Because this? This ain't doin' it.

xoxo,
kvlm

Earth Laughs in Flowers

2010-07-05T23:51:00.006-04:00

To quote a bit of Emerson for your Monday evening pleasure. Though not to be overly sentimental, but I'm feeling more poetic about fashion today than usual following my first tour through The Frist Center for the Visual Art's Golden Age of Couture exhibit (accompanied by the more prominent stream of Emerson's words in my life following the arrival of my goddaughter Emerson). To top it all off, the couture shows have started in Paris and if I give myself reason enough (which honestly doesn't take much), I get all dreamy and moon-eyed at the very thought of couture.

Ok, let's be honest -- I almost cried, I think I squealed and I came very close to begging for more time at the exhibit on Saturday. For those of you who know the trail of fashion history, specifically couture, you know the very real role that the "New Look" played in setting off a spiral of creativity, evolution and overall economic impact of the fashion industry on the rest of the world. It is simply legendary. And to this we all owe Christian Dior a massive debt of gratitude. He will always be my favorite designer, favorite house, favorite everything. To stand in front of the Bar suit, nothing separating me from it but museum grade plexiglass, will turn into one of those redefining moments in my life. It's no different than the first time I stood in front of a Pollock at the Phillip's Collection or when I finally got to see The Arnolfini Marriage by van Eyck at the National Gallery in London or even walking through the sculpture garden at the Louvre or the endless hours I stood in the Pre-Raphaelite wing of The Tate. It was breathtaking, moving and invigorating. I stood still, trying to memorize every seam line -- finally giving up because somewhere you know such perfection can never be reinterpreted let alone replicated. Dior, you are my hero.

And so the reigning King Supreme of Couture, John Galliano, showed his Dior Fall Couture Collection in Paris today and it was if the whole world had suddenly come alive with Dior on its breath like the wind in the night. Obviously inspired by flowers, Galliano as usual took his vision to a completely untouchable and ethereal level. Theatrics not withstanding, the skill it takes to bring a simple flower to life, the eye for detail (right down to the florist-wrap headpieces) is not at all unlike art. For anyone who has ever thought there is no art in fashion, I dare them to argue that when it comes to the House of Dior...now or then.

Time to stop and smell the flowers.

xoxo,
kvlm

photos style.com

O. M. M.

2010-06-29T23:17:00.006-04:00

That's short for Oh My Marc! If there was any doubt in anyone's mind (though I don't know how that is remotely possible) that Marc Jacobs is not an absolute master of his craft, then the Louis Vuitton F/W 2010 ad campaign will put that straight to rest.

This one ad campaign essentially captures absolutely every detail I love about fashion PLUS (girl crush) the exquisite Karen Elson, Christy Turlington, and Natalia Vodianova shot by Steven Meisel...well they rock it like no one else could.

Behold...

And people wonder why I call him "My Heaven Known as Marc Jacobs..."

Why...

2010-06-26T23:26:00.002-04:00

yes, yes I would like some Prada Chandelier shoes, thank you!

Final Resort 2011 Review

2010-06-20T13:37:00.008-04:00

Remember when I said that Marc Jacob's Resort 2011 Collection was my favorite? Well, I might be torn...ever so slightly. Stella McCartney is a close second if not a definitive tie. Her collection was a breathtaking, beautiful, tailored mixture of patisserie colors, garden motifs, and sugary confections. Every piece so slim and exact, leaving no room for a pouf or anything frou-frou...mind you, I usually love the frou-frou but there is something so clean about her design that it's quite seducing.

My other tops from this final round of review are Yves Saint Laurent (love the colors), Zac Posen (which showed like a fairy tale dream),Rag + Bone (who I want to wear every day) and Versace (the color palette and shoes at Versace were wearing me out!). I also loved Reem Acra because, well, I'm female and I love the dreaminess of an evening gown, but also because it felt like a Pre-Raphaelite painting, an Egyptian goddess, a Maxfield Parrish and a Roman Empress come to life. So basically full on romanticism.

I also really loved Preen, Proenza Schouler and Rachel Roy. But then I had affection for all of these for very different reasons...

Click on images to enlarge

Stella McCartney

Zac Posen

Yves Saint Laurent

Yigal Azrouel
The shape of this pant is oh so very popular

Versace
Oh, the shoes...!!!

Vera Wang
A different twist on the shape of that pant

Vena Cava

Tory Burch
The aesthetic of TB is usually not my own,
but I like the Indian inspiration and layering!

The Row
I'm still adjusting to the Olsen's minimalist design approach

Thakoon
Described as "a Parisian in Africa"

Suno
The jumpsuit is here to stay (at least for awhile)
I like the playful take on Suno's

Sonia Rykiel
French nostalgia. Does it get any better?

Roksanda Ilincic
Modern draping with vintage detail
Tres chic!

Richard Nicoll

Richard Chai Love

Reem Acra

Reed Krakoff
If I'm going to wear leather,
I'll take it buttery please

Rag + Bone
The boots, the colors, the cuts...want
Want it bad

Rachel Roy
Adore, adore, adore
The orange trouser is divine!

Proenza Schouler
This entire collection was exquisitely done

Preen

Ports 1961
Loving the fall on the blue sheath

Peter Jensen
A Peter Jensen show is like watching a kids book come to life
Look past the distraction and the pieces are impeccable

That's it until fall as far as collections go! And given this humidity, I'll take fall tomorrow, please, with a pumpkin on top.

xoxo,
kvlm

images style.com

Resort 2011, Round 2

2010-06-19T00:26:00.008-04:00

Click on images for larger view

Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs
My absolute favorite collection from Resort 2011. I know, quel shock.

Elie Tahari

Oscar de la Renta
I think he covered about every era of dress I swoon for in these 4 frocks.

Nina Ricci
Gorgeous gets its on place.

Nina Ricci

Naeem Khan

Michael Angel

Max Azria

Marc by Marc Jacobs

Malandrino

Monique Lhuillier

Louis Vuitton

Lanvin
Triple swoon...

Michael Kors
I am such a sucker for ombre, esp. in these colors

Juan Carlos Obando

Jonathan Saunders
I would like all 3, yes, please.

Isaac Mizrahi

Haider Ackermann

Um, Gucci?

Erdem
I heart you, Erdem, to infinity and beyond.

Barbara Tfank

Final round tomorrow, my pets!
xoxo,
kvlm

images style.com

Favorites from Resort 2011, Round 1

2010-06-16T01:03:00.005-04:00

click on the images for larger views

Carolina Herrera
The dress on the left makes me swoon.

Emilio Pucci
Love the very 70's/hippie/love child vibe. Chic and free spirited!

Jason Wu
This look on the left reminds me of Valentino,
which is a very good thing.

J. Mendel
Love the color story.

Givenchy
Late 60's vibe and color drenched fabrics. Of course I adore it!

Giambattista Valli
Romance indeed.

Erin Fetherston
Erin is the new creative director and designer for Juicy Couture.
I can't wait to see what she does with the line, I love her aesthetic.

Diane von Furstenberg
Diane is the reigning Queen Supreme of Simple Sexy, total ease.

Doo.ri
Gorgeous draping.

Donna Karan
And more gorgeous draping. Speaking of sexy...

DKNY
Donna Karan is pretty much nailing it lately.

Chris Benz
Great retro vibe without being too nostalgic.

Celine

More with the 60/70's inspired suiting. Hot.

Burberry Prorsum
I think I may be in love with navy.

Bottega Veneta
Fashion forward, high impact.

Badgley Mischka
In love with the blue & green -- another 60's inspiration?

BCBG Max Azria
I don't know that I've ever been this wowed by layering. Perfection.

Balenciaga
Love the prints, the colors, the cuts. Definitely a favorite.

Alexander Wang
I would like that skirt on the left please in all colors, thank you.

Anna Sui
Sweet, feminine and sexy.

More later...oh, so much more!
xoxo,
kvlm

images from style.com

Oh Blogger...

2010-06-11T12:24:00.006-04:00

you are just about as painful sometimes as Carrie Underwood's dress at the CMT Awards the other night. Though my original intent for this blog was to welcome myself into Music City's fashion scene by covering the CMT's from Wednesday, I am more than mildly distracted by your new "design" tab.

At first I thought, whimsically, that "oh this will be fun!" Then I sadly realized that once you've crossed over to the new you cannot return to the old. I like the old. In almost all settings, cases, and instances in life. And so it is with a side eye at you, dear Blogger, that I relinquish my old header because I can no longer locate the photograph in which to manipulate the width of layout for this confounded "newness." Lucky for you, I love these three new photographs almost as much but not so lucky for you, you've just given me one more reason to get on to the Wordpress I've spoken so longingly about for months now. I just need a not so hot morning, a camera, and a 1950's ball skirt (of which I hope to have all three this weekend) and I'm out of here.

Mess with my header, will you...

Back to the task at hand.

So I'm driving around aimlessly in downtown Nashville with my husband and child. We've had Starbucks. It's raining and the lightening is magnificent over the skyline. Life is good. Until we realize not only are we in rush hour traffic coming out of of the city but we are almost out of gas. I start to panic mildly. Ok, maybe not so mildly. I do not long to break down in rush hour traffic anywhere with my six year old in the car. Call it responsible parenting panic.

As we are crossing the bridge out of the city and into the West End, I playfully joke to husband that every blacked out sedan or limo we pass is a famous person. Little did I know, I wasn't wrong. Seems we were rolling out of the city in pursuit of fuel just as the who's who of country music was rolling in for an awards show. No, I didn't watch the show. I'm not a total Nashvillian yet. But I did catch the...blue carpet? Blue? Yeah, I'm going to need that to change.

I am both elated by the following photos and scared senseless. On one hand, it seems there might actually be a valid market to become a somewhat successful stylist in this town, you know, if I knew anyone (don't mind me, I'm just over here living in my air castle again). On the other hand, what in the name of G-d is going on here? There's a Louis Vuitton store here, right? I mean, right??? I'm confused. Confused eye at you CMT, confused eye.

I think we can all agree that Taylor Swift is a stunner who still has some little girl cuteness to contend with at the age of 20. Which is why this dress should have been left from whence it came. It's combo overall and Ms. Havisham's settee covering. I am not a fan. That buckle strap trend went out aggeeessss ago and this color is just all wrong. Especially, dear G-d, with the BLUE carpet.

Why in the name of Minnie Pearl's hat is the carpet blue again?

Ok, so I think we can all also agree that Sheryl Crow is hot: see exhibit A here. In her usual habitat of tight jeans, sleeveless shirts or vests and cowboy boots, there aren't many who would turn away (I mean, hell, even me, and I'm straight). But this is head to toe wrong. I kind of like the dress in a I-found-this-at-the-Burlington-Coat-Factory sort of way and you know you probably really don't like it you are just excited about getting a great deal but then...no. Or is it just the entirely too informal WHITE wedge shoes that are getting to me? Because those are 14 shades of wrong. And then then bag is also white. Are we getting married here or...what's happening?

I don't care that it's after Memorial Day, I cannot cotton with the white shoes. (I don't know what that means exactly but I've heard it in abundance in the past 10 days.)

Martina McBride...another country music star I've always thought was pretty hot. But lord help me if she does not date herself like a grandma playing bingo in this outfit. I'm just really confused...where do Nashville's elite shop? Belk? Not that there is anything wrong with Belk but hello!..you are Martina McBride. I'm quite certain you could get L'Wren Scott on the phone if need be. Which -- Need. Be.

I just need a complete moment of silence for this 1980's extravaganza of horrid-icity. There are no words, Leann. No words at all. I'm speechless, truly. Ok, well maybe not totally speechless because, let's face it, that never happens. Do you have a stylist? I mean you managed to look super cute in the aftermath of your private "bidness" being all up in the news but you couldn't turn it out for an actual carpet walk? Ok, maybe the blue carpet threw you off, too, and you just got overwhelmed and confused by the ugliness of it all so you pulled out a chunk of fabric your memaw bought at the Hobby Lobby back in '82 when she was going to make you a duffle bag for dance class, threw a belt around that mess, skipped hair and makeup and rolled on with your bad geometric nightmare of a dress self. I'm just not really sure but I'm concerned for you. And have the sudden urge to play Atari and listen to "Secret Lovers" by Atlantic Starr.

I can't bring myself to cut on the Pickler. I think she's cute, she's from North Carolina and I admire her tenacity. I understand why the thought she liked this. I just don't understand why someone let her buy it. I'll let you think amongst yourselves on this number, I like her too much and...will...show...restraint.......

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH *cowers back in fear of Kara DiwhateverhernameisfromAmericanIdolwhowillneverreallyreplacethecutedysfunctionthatwasPaulaAbdul because she looks like she might eat you* Frightening. Truly.

I'd like to insert a side bar here, a helpful hint if you will *cue sappy music overture that indicates I care deeply* you may want to lay off the BLUE when you are walking a BLUE carpet. Just a thought.

I'm not even really sure what brought Hayden Panitierre to the CMT Awards but she apparently forgot to bring the remainder of her dress. No...no, really, I actually don't hate this dress. I'm assuming it's from Emilio Pucci's fall 2010 collection since Jessica Biel wore something very similar from that collection just last week to the A Team premiere (Hayden's stylist should have probably known that in order to avoid the onslaught of comparisons that always entail when these things happen) and therefore it intrigues me. That collection was exquisite. But this dress is entirely wrong for her body. Plus it looks like she just threw a baby sling on over her merry widow and called it a day. It's a mind boggling dichotomous assault on the senses. Not to put too fine a point on it.

Another country music stunner, another bad dress. Was there a bad dress theme maybe that was supposed to go with the bad carpet? Because that would totally explain everything. Ok, let's break this down.

a) The color is perfect for her; she looks young and diaphanous in pink. I dig it.

b) Um, the top separates her girls in a way that is most unflattering and reminds me of when Carol Burnette used to run around with balls in her top that hung to the floor. Not to say that Faith has that particular issue, obviously not. It's just the way the dress is cut.

c) That waist band detail is doing something funky to the fabric at her hips. My guess is that this sucker is super lined with some horrid fabric that was not cut on the bias. Had it been, it would have draped perfectly around her perfect figure.

d) The return of the hoof shoe! *dundundu* I've said it once, I'll say it 100 times. These shoes do not work with every dress, and they especially don't work with long, ethereal gowns. They hoof you. And no girl (or woman) wants to be hoofed. Don't fall victim, beware the hoof shoe.

And last, but certainly not least, of the blue carpet disasters from Music City...the dress that about did me in. Maybe I was wrong about the bad dress theme for the show. Maybe the theme was 1980's? That would explain pretty much every single thing hovering above these lines. I mean, really? Flourescent pink? Flourescent pink? Flourescent pink with a ruffle collar and a killer tan? Too bad she didn't feather her hair, she'd have had Blaire from Facts of Life keeling over with envy. Such a pretty girl...so very in need of a stylist (I'm available!)

There were two "saves" if you will. Music City wasn't a total frockmare.

Lady Antebellum singer Hillary Scott pretty much nailed it in this black dress. She looks classy and fashionable but the dress still has that little bit of Grand Ole Opry pizazzz. (I can only say the word pizazz if I use jazz hands...do it with me now, you know you want to.)

Julianne Hough. I have absolutely no idea who she is other than she sings and is very young. And kind of resembles Meg Ryan in this photo. She's killing me (not in a good way) with these shoes but this is about the most fashion forward the CMT's got last night. I don't love it, no. But I think it's interesting.

Hopefully this is not the face of things to come for me fashion wise in this great town. If it is, if it indeed gets worse, you may find me in the closet clinging to my Marc Jacobs, rocking back and forth. Or out trying to change it.

xoxo,
kvlm

More from CFDA

2010-06-10T17:10:00.000-04:00

Gorgeous candid photos from backstageat.com.

Open Letter to the CFDA

2010-06-09T00:33:00.010-04:00

Look here, CFDA, how many times do I have to ask? In how many ways do I have to beg? Isn't it obvious? Don't advertisers see it? Do they not hear the big "CHA-CHING" at the very thought of broadcasting the CFDA Awards show ever year? I mean really, come on! Support the economy and get someone on this! Otherwise I will just have to repeat my plea and cry for mercy every year. (I can, however, be quieted with a lifetime ticket to the show, you know, if you wanted to bargain.)

I hear the show last night was brilliant from start to finish. Not only would I have liked to have seen My Heaven Known As Marc Jacobs (finally) win for Womenswear Designer of the Year, but the very mention of the McQueen tribute practically brings me to tears. Come on, do you really want to make me cry?

You could at least put some video footage up on the site of Sarah Jessica Parker's moving tribute to McQueen for those commoners, like myself, who worship from afar. Is it too much to ask? There are those outside of the safe and fashionable confines of your world who loved him as much. A snippet? A sound bite? Something...? No...?

Sigh. So disappointed but trying to sunny side up it all by repeatedly pouring over the list of winners (although the little devil on my shoulder reminds me constantly that that's just great that all these wonderfully talented people won but screw it because I wasn't there...then the little angel on the other side -- who is obviously wearing Marc Jacobs -- kicks the little devil with her Louboutin and says, "that is not nice -- we [she gestures to me] are very happy for all these designers and thrilled with CFDA." Unfortunately, I still have one eyebrow cocked and am throwing mental darts as I help the little devil back up to its perch...but I'm doing it all with love. Really, with love.)

For example, I love that David Neville & Marcus Wainwright for Rag & Bone won for Menswear Designer of the Year and that Alexis Bittar is the Accessory Designer of the Year. I do, I really do. And I love that Jason Wu, Richard Chai and Alexander Wang were all recognized with the Swarovski Award for emerging talent. Love those guys, I mean really just LOVE (are you getting me, CFDA?).

And of course I am just giddy that Michale Kors received the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Acheivement Award. Just totally out of my skin over that one, let me tell you. And then Vogue Fashion Director Tonne Goodman was awarded the Eleanor Lambert Award and Paper's founding editor and publisher, Kim Hastreiter, received the Eugenia Sheppard Award for excellence in journalism. Christopher Bailey, for Burberry, received the International Award. I'm so happy for him. Then to top it all off...Iman received the Fashion Icon Award?? Presented by Isabella Rosselini? I think I need a moment, CFDA, let me wipe the tears. You are killing me. But, really, don't harbor any guilt. I'll recover. In a year or so....just in time for the 2011 Awards.

Good thing for you there were tons of photos (SINCE THERE'S NO VIDEO) for me to placate myself with. I will archive and chronicle them herein so I can revisit the sadness as it seers its ugly little self into my memory each and every day.

We'll start with my favorite....SSSSTTTTEEEELLLLLAAAAAA!!!!!!! (I so could not resist given the dramatic pulse of this post.)

Stella Tennant in Reed Krakoff...hot. Just hot. Plain and simple.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Alexander McQueen....breathtaking design

Brooke Shields in J. Mendel. Critics have called this boring. I call it elegant.

Amanda Hearst in Peter Som. Love.

Alexa Chung in Marc Jacobs. My Heaven Known As.

Speaking of. Jessica Biel in DVF with (MHKNA) Marc Jacobs.
Like how I'm acronyming that now? I do.

Phillip Lim and Irina Lazareanu. Striking.

David Bowie and Iman in Giambattista Valli. GORGE!

I'm sorry but Donna Karan looks SMOKIN'!

Carmen Kass (in Kors) and Michael Kors. Does he look thinner or is it me?

And speaking of thinner...Rachel Weisz in Jason Wu.
Sandwich?

Yigal Azrouel and Paz de la Heurta.
Wish I could find a good shot of the back of this dress because it is ridiculously sexy.

Tonne Goodman in Michael Kors. Tres chic!

Zac Posen, you, too, are KILLING ME. This dress is TO DIE FOR.
Devon Aoki had better realize how lucky she was to wear it. Hmpf.

Unfortunately, I have to have two complaints. Ok, well three if you include the overall general complaintive nature of this blog today. But really...can someone do something about this?

Dree Hemingway in Calvin Klein

...and this?

The Olsen twins in The Row with Sasha Pivovarova

Don't get me wrong. I appreciate that Dree is some big shot model now (who subsequently has admitted to have never read the writings of her great-grandfather...for shame!) but this look needs some serious editing (where is Tim Gunn when you need him?) And G-d bless the Olsen twins. I still see them as 2 year old twins on that horrid show they did. And maybe that's why they continue to dress like Linda Dano but really, we get it. We know you are adults now. This photo, in and of itself, is just kind of scary. Sasha looks like some wicked stepmother just stepped out of the woods with her enslaved elfin children. Save them, CFDA, save them please.

Ok. I'm giving you a year to put this thing together. I'm sure Bravo would be all over it like sequins on a Mackie...just call them...but please PLEASE get this thing on television.

Do it for the children.

xoxo,
kvlm

photos: fashionologie, yahoo, and the huffingtonpost.

I Insanely Hearted SATC2. Quel Surprise! And Last Post Until Nashville!

2010-05-28T14:01:00.004-04:00

So I'm about 3 days away from being an official resident of Nashville. And quite frankly, I'm thrilled. This sort of change in my life has been a long time coming. Not that you are waiting with baited breath for my next line and thought on fashion but I'm taking a little break between now and...well whenever...to get settled and soak up this moment.

But before I go, let's talk about Sex and the City 2. I was never an avid follower mostly because when SATC was in its heyday, I didn't have cable, let alone HBO. Being a single mom didn't really grant that luxury. But I did catch repeats on TBS and episodes when I was visiting addicted friends. I immediately saw the appeal even if I didn't feel the impulse to catch every last happening in the lives of Carrie, Miranda, Samantha and Charlotte. But then, I rarely get addicted to tv shows (with the exception of Project Runway, all hail you Tim and Heidi).

Anyshoe, the first SATC movie, in my humble opinion, all due respect, was really just a fashion show. I honestly can't remember what the plot was and I certainly did not blog about it. But I remember the wedding dress montage and I vividly recall the Vivienne Westwood. VIVIDLY. *swoon*

But I have to put it out there girls, SATC2 may be, again in my humble opinion, the quintessential chick flick of all time for those of our generation. Before you get out your worn copy of Thelma and Louise, hear me out. The overall campiness of the movie is in your face evident about 4 minutes after the opening line. In fact, whoever wrote the lines to the first scene must have either been on meds that day or a recent college grad. They were bad. But then...Liza Minnelli blows the top off of the whole damn thing and hilarity ensues for another two solid hours. I really don't think I have laughed that much in a movie in years.

Though it wasn't just funny, it actually had a bit of a message that resonated with me as a newly married. Campy? Yes. Bad jokes? Absolutely. INSANE costumes? Oh my G-d, yes! But it was such the perfect symbiosis of everything you think of when you recall the best moments you ever had with your girlfriends AND all of those eureka moments you've had over the man you love that I was honestly astounded. No, it won't change your life. Yes, some of you will think you are entirely too intelligent and superior to spend money on it. But do yourself a favor, watch it with your best friend, your sister, rent it when it comes out and watch it on your day off when day time TV is sucking the life out of you. It is so very worth it.

Now onto the clothes from the NYC and London premieres of the film because we've GOT to talk about them.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Valentino (L) and full on Alexander McQueen with Philip Treacy headpiece (R). I'm not always crazy about how SJP rocks the red carpet but she nailed it with the Valentino...dress, hair, makeup. She looks so very New York but so fresh and not overdone. Plus, it's nice to see a piece from this Valentino collection in the real world because the actual show totally did me in. I was not a fan. As for the McQueen/Treacy look...wow, what an homage to McQueen. It's a lot, yes, but if you are going to do this where better to do it than London. It fits and therefore I love.

Kim Cattrall in Naeem Khan (L) and vintage Thierry Mugler (R). Dear G-d. She looks divine in both AND she looks AMAZING in the film. I honestly think she looks better than she ever has and she may have looked better than anyone else in the film. I love that she worked the sort of vintage starlet look for both premieres. Simply gorgeous, both of them.

Kristin Davis in vintage Jean Desses (L) and vintage Norman Norell (R). The Jean Desses is a gorgeous cut for her and color, well I always love her in pink. Some people just work pink better than others and she is definitely one of those people (Dear Gwyneth Paltrow, please take note). As for the Norell from Decades, the greatest vintage store probably on earth, I'm not entirely crazy about the dress itself but she looks hot. It's undeniable.

Cynthia Nixon in Carolina Herrara (L) and Narciso Rodriguez (R). Cynthia Nixon blew my mind in the movie...she looked incredible and I love her hair red, love it! I'm not super crazy about either of these BUT they look really great on her...I just long for that red hair.

Anyway, I just had to get a little red carpet out of my system before I go back to packing boxes. I think a lot of people throw tomatoes and turn a cold, feminist shoulder to these films but I can say without tongue in cheek that I really think it's a celebration of women. It's a celebration of what makes us funny, sexy, fragile, vulnerable, strong and imperfect. There's nothing wrong with a little imperfection in life -- we all could stand to recognize it.

much love,
kvlm

Quel Bang!

2010-05-21T15:46:00.004-04:00

Dear My Heaven Known As Marc Jacobs,

I love you, you know I really really do. When you were nerdy and gangly, I loved you. When you were a little paunch and not so shiney, I still loved you. And the Adonis of you now, well it's quite undeniable. But really? This is a little...much? And not muchness. Just straight up (or not straight as the case may be) much.

I appreciate where you've come from with your physique and it's quite exquisite now but we would have been fine perhaps with a shoulder? A somewhat less Master of the Gay Universe Big Bang Theory display of self-love? Maybe something a little artsy even or avant garde but honey this ad sings Liza Minnelli and buys its own shoes.

I'm concerned. Please call.
love,
me

P.S. Where were your marketing people in all this? Because there isn't one straight boy on Earth that's gonna go up to the counter at any major department store and lay money down for Marc Jacobs' Bang. It just ain't gonna happen.

Ye, I Doth Covet

2010-05-20T20:16:00.004-04:00

I've been wanting these for some time.

Multi-Buckle Wedges by Chloe Sevigny for Open Ceremony

They came out last fall. They are $625. And they are completely sold out.

I remember drooling over them many months ago but then thinking, ok, Chloe Sevigny has legs up to her neck so, of course, these shoes look fabulous on her. But on those of us who have normal legs that come up to normal places, it may not work. Or so I thought...

Walking through the Atlanta airport the other day, I saw a totally normal girl rocking these similar though somewhat less intense versions of the multi-buckle wedge:

ASOS Randal Buckle Wedge

At $67.64 plus shipping from the UK, this is a much more realistic splurge and one I can actually get my head around. Unfortunately, they too are sold out. Oh the humanity!!!! Customer service says they were meant to be restocked by May 17 so, as you can imagine, I am watching these suckers like a supermodel pawing at a cheeseburger. They are divine I tell you, divine!!

Just thought I'd share.
kisses, kvlm

Why Yes, I'd Like Some Resort, Thank You!

2010-05-18T22:16:00.005-04:00

I'm a little late on the uptake here but with good reason. I've spent the last two weekends traveling to Nashville, TN and Salt Lake City, UT. Nashville for a job interview and presentation and Salt Lake to visit my new insanely adorable red-haired goddaughter of greatness. Right now, I'm wiped out and just a little delirious not only from the constant going but the overhanging thought of moving in, well, probably less than 3 weeks. If you saw my attic you would understand the nausea inducing psychosis this activates.

But, hey, I'm moving to Nashville and that is a very good thing. And even though, yes, I'd like some resort, thank you, I will doubtfully be getting any until I fly to Ireland in August. All I can say is thank G-d for the internet and all of these delicious shots from Chanel and Dior. I can just close my eyes and pretend. Well, maybe not...I might fall asleep.

So Dior showed in Shanghai but the look was decidedly French, color rich and do I detect a hint of Barbie (though maybe not intentionally)? You be the judge...

Galliano never fails to thrill me. Surprisingly, though, so did Karl Lagerfeld (who showed in St. Tropez last week). Not to say that I don't love Chanel as much as the next girl, I mean, I am breathing. But sometimes the great gloved one (no, not MJ) rubs me ever so slightly with some of his commentary. However, I try to take into account that most of what media vultures put out into the airwaves is typically taken out of context. I also try to take into account the info I picked up on Karl during a recently shown bio on the good old tube. While he was everything I expected him and knew him to be, a new chord struck. Namely, wow, is he a lot more emotionally detached than I could even begin to imagine? So in my little, all forgiving, bleeding liberal heart, I'll try to forgive him for all the fat fodder and insulting crap that pours forth. This resort show is a step closer to me loving him a little more. It's simply gorgeous, relaxed, a little bohemian and everything resort should be.

And maybe Karl is trying, too. He did send this exquisite goddess (below), Crystal Renn, down the runway twice (thrice?) during the show to much aplomb. Crystal Renn is a 12. A mother. And did I mention goddess? Go, Karl.

Seeing her on his runway intrigued me not only because she's plus but because she is insanely beautiful. She is killing me with that bone structure. Again, gotta love the internet. She's got a book entitled Hungry coming out later this year. Here are the cover shots:

Curvy girls of the world, unite! Crystal Renn, you have a new, very thrilled fan. And Karl, nicely done (certainly though you are not the first to utilize her, um, assets but given your general take on the over zero, credit given).

more later, time for some much needed sleep!
cheers!
kvlm

All Hail

2010-05-12T22:24:00.003-04:00

There are 3 types of people.

1) People who are worn by their clothes (not preferable)
2) People who wear their clothes (preferable)
3) People who become a natural, symbiotic organic off-shoot of their fashion choice not only echoing the designer's true intent but fluidly becoming it. (rare)

Cate Blanchett is the third.

Cate -- in Alexander McQueen -- promoting Robin Hood today at the Cannes Film Festival. She is the only reason I intend to see this film (though I have a feeling I'm going to be pleasantly surprised at it all).

All hail, indeed.
xoxo,
kvlm

My Call...

2010-05-12T20:44:00.002-04:00

and I'll admit that I was wrong (for the first time in ANTM history). This will be the winner, I don't see how it could be any different...

She is kind of gorgeous. Good luck, Krista!

xoxo,
kvlm

Met Gala 2010

2010-05-04T11:05:00.013-04:00

I've just surfaced from the mother of all power points to finally catch up on what happened at this year's Met Gala. Is it just me or has the Met Gala become the next best thing to the Oscars red carpet? And subsequently, the most jaw-dropping...in both good and bad ways. This year, it was especially, surprisingly, bad. Or am I just cranky from lack of sleep?

The Met Costume Institute is heaven, quite simply. Each year, they unveil a new exhibit that will run roughly through the summer. This year's exhibit is "American Women: Fashioning a National Identity." The Gala was hosted by Oprah Winfrey, Patrick Robinson of the GAP, and, of course, Anna Wintour from Vogue. The exhibit takes a closer look at "American women from 1890-1940 and how these women have influenced our perception of the modern woman." The exhibit includes pieces that have not been seen for 3o years. I have three words: sign me up. Oh and maybe two more words: road trip.

Many moons ago, my sister and I decided at the last minute to charge a trip to NYC to see the exhibit. It was worth every penny of interest (of which there was much)!

As for the Gala's red carpet, I'm at once intrigued by how popular it has become and somewhat annoyed. It used to just be a smattering of celebs mixed in with the heavy hitters of the fashion industry. Now it's pretty much every celebrity who may have an ounce of relevancy at the moment. And we all know what celebrities do when there is a red carpet of great import: their eyes glaze over and they are talked into some truly, ahem, fantastic ensembles by their stylist, best friends, children, and/or psychics.

Let's start with best and trickle down, shall we, beginning with my top 3 favorites:

Holy Grace Kelly, Batman, I think my heart just popped! Doutzen Kroes in Zac Posen, with Zac Posen. Sure, it's a bit Cinderella as well, but it's divine and I would roll in its heavenly blueness until I was forced to stop.

Anne Hathaway in Valentino. Exquisite. The fit is perfect, the color is perfect, she is just, well, perfect. I kind of love her. Love, love the dress.

Nicole Richie in Marc Jacobs. At first I wasn't entirely sure I was digging the whole Morticia-goes- out -for-the-night vibe going on here but then I remembered who I was. And YES. More Morticia-goes-out-for-the-night, please! (Plus, it's My Heaven Known as Marc Jacobs...no brainer.)

Sarah Jessica Parker in Halston Heritage, you know, because she is now Chief Creative Officer of Halston. And because I didn't have enough reasons to envy her fashion soaked life already.

Coco Rocha in Zac Posen. She looks a bit like a siren. Or a sea nymph. Either way, I am a fan.

More from the big poufy dress front: J Lo in Zuhair Murad, Eva Mendes in Dolce & Gabbana, and Mila Kunis in Vera Wang. J Lo's dress looks like the remnants of angels wings, so why the long face? She is so much more attractive when she smiles. Eva's Dolce is a bit of a throwback to '80's Oscar, which I fully approve of. And Mila's Wang (now that doesn't sound right) just looks like an explosion of tulle done correctly (to see it done incorrectly, and by the same designer, please see Rachel Weisz below).

Iman. I'm not sure who she's wearing but I think she just gets more gorgeous over time. Lovely.

Camille Belle in Jason Wu. I hate to say, I don't even really know who Camille Belle is other than she was one of the little girls in Practical Magic. Between that and this dress, she must be at least vaguely rocking. The neckline of this Wu gown is just to die for.

Chloe Sevigny in Proenza Schouler. A vintage influence with a totally fashion forward design. And it has tulle. Yea for tulle! Did I mention that I love the shoes? Because, I do. I love the shoes. Love them.

Old Hollywood glamour: Jessica Alba in Sophie Theallet for GAP, Taylor Swift in Ralph Lauren, and Gwen Stefani in L.A.M.B. They are gorgeous (though occasionally I wish Gwen would so something just totally out of the box for her norm; she's starting to blend with herself.)

Brooke Shields finally gets the Met Red Carpet right in a Michael Kors gilt gown (left). Compared to the cookie monster atrocity she wore last year with the Dynasty makeup, a MAJOR improvement. She looks stunning. And very young.

Kristin Davis wore a mermaid cut black gown, not sure who the designer is but I think the dress shows a lot of diversity to her character when compared to the Balmain she wore to the White House a few days prior. She has such a sweet face, I think sometimes we forget how sexy she can be.

And speaking of getting it right (and bad tulle), Rachel Weisz in custom Oscar de la Renta (left). She looks like an entirely different person in comparison to last year and about 10 years younger. Well done, Rachel!

Now, hold onto your cookies. The bad, well, it's pretty damn bad:

Kristen Stewart in Chanel Haute Couture. First, I am about sick of seeing these shoes. Everyone has them. Second, this is just too much for her. Third, can someone please give her her candy back so she'll stop with the scathing stare? Fourth, fire your hair stylist. Fifth, overall she looks like that thing Madonna had in hair at the Gala last year. No bueno, Twilight girl, no bueno.

Emmy Rossum, honey, you were not in Avatar. There is no reason why you should be shamelessly promoting it.

Padma Lakshmi. I don't hate it from the waist down, it's a bit Marilyn isn't it? But from the waist up she looks like a lamp shade I bought at Kirkland's ten years ago before I knew it was not ok to buy lampshades from Kirkland's. Just say no, Padma, just say no.

Look, Diane Lane is wearing my bridesmaid dress from 12 years ago! Hooray for recycling...oh, wait.

Blake Lively in Marchesa. Blake, Blake, Blake. I'm so glad you look happy because it about your only saving grace in this dress (or are you laughing at your frilly blue butt?). If Brook Shields wore a Cookie Monster dress last year, then sweetie, you are rocking what was left on the cutting room floor. Or, wait, no, no. You know how when you got to Carowinds or Six Flags and they try to get you to buy those big fluffy flower things made out of crepe paper for like $30? Yeah. That's what you look like.

Christina Hendricks in L'Wren Scott. This is a tough one. A) I love Christina Hendricks (holla for a curvy girl!) B) I love L'Wren Scott (in a sick, sick way). But this is just a bit of train wreck isn't it? The shoes match the makeup match the hair match the shoulder growth. The dress matches the eyes...oh to hell with it, we aren't focusing on her eyes are we? Which is exactly why that thing on her shoulder has GOT to go. She's got enough going on up there; she does not need a corsage overgrowth.

Oh, Dear G-d, she lit up. At The Met. For the Gala. Katy Perry is in an LED lit gown by Cute Circuit. I get the novelty, the sort of wow, the look at me of it but this isn't really the right red carpet for this sugar. Try the Grammys.

Tina Fey in a YSL paintsuit. I hate to rip you, Tina, because quite frankly, from the clavicle up, you look ridiculously hot. But there never is really a formal occasion for a jumpsuit, YSL or not.

Vera Farmiga is a beautiful woman in that very sort of atypical, off the beaten path, way (my favorite way, to be exact). So I don't understand why she let someone convince her to date herself so drastically in this Sophie Theallet for GAP gown? The brothel called sweetie, they want their dress back. (Or their curtains, whichever you may have.)

Kirsten, sweetie, didn't you wear this in Interview with a Vampire or am I hallucinating (again)? I know you are a big Rodarte fan, for whom we can give credit for this dress, and supporting the collaboration designers did for GAP for this event, but no, sweetie. Just no. It looks like you're pretending for your wedding. In 1981.

Kathryn Bigelow (in YSL), you were the first female to win for Best Director at the Oscars (not to mention you are gorgeous, tall and have an insane body). Can you not work it a little harder than a magnified pietri dish inhabitant?

Bar Refaeli I have said it once, I will say it again. Go to your room, young lady, and put some clothes on! Don't you date Leo of the large bank account? Can't homeboy afford you a full dress? I'm sure you could find something lovely at Deb, they cater to your age range. And aesthetic.

Oh, Elizabeth Banks. Cousin It, Granmama, and Tish just chewed you up and spit you out didn't they? This is a good lesson, kids, pay attention and repeat after me: JUST BECAUSE YOU SEE IT ON THE RUNWAY DOES NOT MEAN YOU CAN WEAR IT. Edit, sister, edit.

Speaking of editing, I probably need to go and do that myself. Next up: the (belated) White House Correspondents Dinner, because I just can't pass it up.

xoxo,
kvlm

photos: huffingtonpost.com

Haunted Miu Miu

2010-04-28T17:08:00.002-04:00

I would write more but I'm knee deep in a Powerpoint...ok, I'm toe deep but the optimist in me is knee deep and close to done. I love my optimist. She's shiney.

Just wanted to post this for your viewing pleasure...perfect timing for the sort of full-moon-ever-so-slightly-dark-mood that hovers on me today.

Miu Miu AW2010...

xoxo,
kvlm