Posts tagged Alexander McQueen
FashioniSTA File: Golden Globes 2013
Jan 14th
With another award season officially kicking off last night, we are here to weigh in on the best and worst dressed starlets hitting the red carpet. First up: The Golden Globes! From the sparkly style stars to the oh-no-it-hurts flops, Kristen, Ashley and Meghan tell us their picks of the night. Stay tuned for our takes on each awards show this season, and tell us your highs and lows on Facebook and Twitter!
The Best of the Best
Kristen’s Pick: Miranda Kerr in Zuhair Murad
I think Miranda was the epitome of old school Hollywood siren (even if she isn’t an actress…) in this is burgundy Zuhair Murad gown. If anyone could pull off a high slit and plunging neckline without making it look like they’re trying too hard, it’s her.
Honorable Mention: Kate Hudson knocked it out of the park in this McQueen number.
Ashley’s Pick: Kate Hudson in Alexander McQueen
This entire look is completely flawless. From the intricate embellishment to the effortless blowout, Kate’s team was able to make her 100% relevant in this look. She was able to look completely put-together and fashion-forward without looking fussy or bizarre. I can’t even put into words how much I love this whole ensemble, it’s utterly breathless.
Honorable Mention: Kerry Washington rocked the sheer, nude and embellished trends all in one perfect Miu Miu package.
Meghan’s Pick: Jessica Alba in Oscar de la Renta
The always beautiful Jessica Alba looked maj in this Oscar de la Renta gown. The peachy color looks great on her olive skin and the breathtaking necklace breaks up the matching lipstick. Her soft curls pull the whole look together! She could have left the fluffy bag at home but I won’t hold it against this best dress nominee.
Honorable Mention: Nicole Richie’s blue patterned Naeem Khan dress looked stunning with the matching eye shadow.
Wayward Worst
Kristen’s Pick: I’m sorry but someone has to call the fashion police on Giuliana Rancic. I am usually all for classic, Downton Abby style dresses but Giulianna looks like she’s channeling Helena Bonham Carter in this goth-gone-wrong Celia Kritharioti dress. I can’t imagine G got Joan’s approval on this one.
Honorable Mention: Halle Berry is a babe, but this Versace dress was a fail.
Ashley’s Pick: It physically hurts to put Jessica Chastain in this category. I would like to officially go on record and say that I am obsessed with everything about her, all except this Calvin Klein dress. She’s a gorgeous canvas, but the fit and the hair choice served her a serious injustice.
Honorable Mention: Sienna Miller’s ode to wallpaper Erdem skirt and top.
Meghan’s Pick: Lucy Liu can pretty much pull anything off. This dress, not so much. While the silhouette isn’t horrible, the floral pattern and colors are. I do like the fullness of the dress and the fact that it has pockets (I always love leaving my bag at home).
Honorable Mention: Julianne Hough’s horrific Monique Lhuillier dress and poor makeup ensemble.
We’ll see you all in a couple weeks for our SAG Awards picks!
Met Gala Trends, Who Wore Them Best?
May 8th
The Met Gala is arguably the most high-fashion red carpet event of the year, where the style risks are lauded and the boring are never invited again (if only). This is a great night for the avant garde to sneak in with the red carpet glamour, giving us great pieces that are sure to inspire (or give us a sneak peek at) upcoming runway collections. Here are the top four trends of the night, and who wore them best!
1. Dripping in Metal
Gold has continued to earn its weight worth, at least in the style arena, and it was definitely a key power player last night. Between Anna Wintour’s gold detailed Prada, Karolina Kurkova in a full-on Arabian-inspired Rachel Zoe ensemble, and Jessica Pare’s square neckline/cap sleeve dark golden L’Wren Scott gown, there was enough sparkle to go around. Not only was all of this glitz great to watch on the red carpet, but it inspires the rest of us to break out the bold metallics when we have our less-formal (but still fabulous) events to attend.
Who wore it best? We’re torn between Lana del Rey’s flawless sweetheart Altuzarra and Camilla Belle’s plunging Ralph Lauren. Both style stars donned the dark gothic makeup to accentuate their dresses’ lighter metallic shades, but Camilla Belle’s flawless accents with her hair/makeup/earrings put her in the lead.
2. Embellished Mermaids
Instead of body-hugging silhouettes or outrageous ball gowns, the biggest shape contender last night was hands-down the mermaid silhouette. And since we’re pretty sure that these ladies weren’t trying to hide oversized calves, we can only speculate that the mermaid trend is stationed to take to new heights in the near future. From the tame - like Julianne Hough, to the outrageous - Beyonce in a lace and feather concoction - these ladies added appliques, feathers, tulle and pretty much every other material on the planet to create dramatic volume below the knees.
Who wore it best? While it seems a demure choice, Reneé Zellweger gave us all a shock when she decided against wearing her signature Carolina Herrera. However, dressed in Pucci (left), she rocked the long sleeves, sheer details, and an embellished mermaid train without looking like a trend wreck.
3. Feather Intensity
A flock of feathers covered the red carpet last night. This trend popped up everywhere from Donna Karan’s clutch to Kate Bosworth’s backless full-on feather Prada dress. Amy Poehler looked shockingly chic in a Fontini black peplum gown with a mermaid train of black feathers, and Diane Kruger’s purple Prada gown swept the carpet with the trim and train drenched in feathers. The red carpet had it’s grand finale when Beyonce arrived in a jaw-dropping Givenchy Haute Couture embroidered gown with a purple ombré train of feathers, proving to us that she properly holds the title of World’s Most Beautiful Woman. I guess stylish birds of a feather really do flock together.
Who wore it best? We have to go with Cate Blanchett in Alexander McQueen. Don’t let the black dissuade you from far away, the actress brought the glamour by marrying intricate feather detailing from the bodice to the train with impeccable fit.
4. Sculpturesque
One of the biggest trends on the Fall 2012 runways was the architectural shapes and details, and it carried over onto the red carpet last night. While January Jones stepped out in a Versace hip-action number that we feel like we’ve seen her in a million times, stars like Elizabeth Banks (in a somewhat bizarre Mary Katrantzou dress) and Jessica Stam (in a pale blue, ornate Christian Dior Couture design) brought over-exaggerated sculpted details to the event.
Who wore it best? Ok, don’t judge us, but for some reason Thakoon-dressed Christina Ricci’s oversized bow and architectural neckline really spoke to us (right). Maybe it was the risk or maybe we’re having a Casper flashback. Don’t ask, we really can’t explain it.
Do you think someone else wore it better? Tell us in the comments, post on our Facebook wall or Tweet us!
~Ashley and Lisa, FashioniSTAs
FashioniSTA File: Oscars 2012
Feb 27th
One of the biggest fashion nights of the year has finally happened, and we are so thrilled that there was actually some glamour walking down the red carpet. From the style winners to the weirdest walking down the carpet (ashes, anyone?), there were plenty of gorgeous and gaudy gowns from which to choose. Yes, white dresses did seem to reign supreme, on the likes of Shailene Woodley and Rooney Mara, but we saw a sneak peek into the Fall 2012 world with touches of gold lamé on Stacy Keibler and Meryl Streep. Obviously the best dressed of the night was Miss Piggy, with Kermit her always-in-style arm candy, but we’ve racked our fashion brains to come up with those that we think are a close second, or third, or fourth…
Ashley’s Picks
Best Dressed: Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen hit a home run this year with Jessica Chastain. The ornate gold detail is very en trend without being temporary, and it fit her like a glove. I loved that her stylist kept her hair loose and picked neutral jewelry, it was the perfect complement to an intricate dress. Glenn Close also looked phenomenal in Zac Posen, and had she removed the jacket for a red carpet pic or two, she might have rivaled Jessica.
Worst Dressed: While there were definitely gaudier dresses on the red carpet, Anna Faris in Diane von Furstenberg missed her fashion potential entirely. For a young girl with great features, she ended up looking old in the dress silhouette and dated with the short blonde bob.
Best Red Carpet Rookie: In probably the most flattering gown I’ve ever seen, Octavia Spencer looked unbelievable in Tadashi Shoji. The silhouette made wearing white possible on any body type, and the contrasting metallic sparkle against her skin was breathtaking. It’s not easy to look good in close-up shots, but Octavia proved that she has what it takes to be a style and Oscar winner.
Biggest Comeback: Kristen Wiig has almost fully recovered from her choker incident at the SAG Awards. While her J. Mendel tiered dress wasn’t a style grand slam, it was a welcome improvement and definitely a step in the right direction. With the right accessories and an up-do, this look could have been sensational.
Best Couple: Jean Dujardin and Alexandra Lamy looked effortlessly glamorous without being boring or over-the-top. I guess it pays to be from France.
Leslie’s Picks
Best Dressed: Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji. She looked spectacular top match her well deserved Oscar award. It showed that even woman with real curves can still have an Oscar winning red carpet moment. I felt that her look was flawless with the pull of the dress coming towards the front extenuating a smaller form waist and giving the puppies some love! Her hair pulled back with a small beehive bump was adorable and makeup was light and natural. I loved everything about her choice down to her Neil Lane clutch, xxxxx.
Worst Dressed: Melissa McCarthy in Marina Rinaldi. The Grecian inspired gown didn’t strike me as flattering nor glamorous. Plus- size fashion is hard but with, a knock out of the park like Octavia Spencer, I can’t say its impossible! I’ve never been a fan of ¾ sleeve nor am I a fan of a bell sleeve period. I find it cuts, if not worn correctly, people off and make their arm shorter and stubbier. The rhinestone encrust on collar and empire waist put too much attention to her front. I would have loved to see her in something a little more subtle. LESS IS ALWAYS BETTER.
Biggest Comeback: Meryl Streep in Lanvin. She’s always been an Oscar nominee favorite but her fashion…not so much. I really think she hit a home run ( all these baseball analogies?!). The gold lame wrap was elegant and a new color to add to her older subtle color choices. Bravo, more than well deserved.
Best Red Carpet Rookie: I’d like to give a shot out to Rose Byrne in Vivienne Westwood. The hilarious Bridesmaid star was astonishing in her black one shoulder sequin get up. Making a statement is key; she nailed it. I believe her hair did it for me, superb!
Best Couple: I hate couples.
Kim’s Picks
Best Dressed: Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford. She looked like she was emerging from a milk waterfall and I loved it. So sleek and effortless.
Worst Dressed: Sacha Baron Cohen in character from his new movie “The Dictator.” The Oscars are no time for publicity stunts, good sir. Emma Stone, who chose an overstated Giambattista Valli dress, was a huge disappointment. She looked flawless on the carpet all season, and now this.
Biggest Comeback: Melissa McCarthy in Marina Rinaldi… while the choice is still questionable, and I can certainly understand the perils that plus-size women face with formal wear, this ensemble is absolutely a step in the right direction.
Best Red Carpet Rookie: Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen. Completely glamorous… in fact, she might have been the MOST glamorous of the night!
Best Couple: George Clooney & Stacy Keibler (who wore Marchesa). She looked so appropriate for the event and they both simply sparkled. The Pitt-Jolie team just looked soooo severe. Booo, hiss.
Kristen’s Picks
Best Dressed: Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab was the epitome of old-Hollywood-turned-modern glamour. She has the perfect complexion to pull off a dress like this with a deep red lip and a classic wavy up-do.
Worst Dressed: Sherri Shepherd’s bright blue Grecian number was not flattering on her. It was too much boob that it ended up looking kind of messy up top.
Best Red Carpet Rookie: Although Kate Mara wasn’t nominated, she donned the designer of the night - Elie Saab - and looked great!
Best Couple: Jean Dujardin and Alexandra Lamy. Classy and sophisticated…plus he’s extremely handsome, that doesn’t hurt.
That concludes awards season! Tell us which celebs made your best and worst dressed lists on Facebook (www.facebook.com/staconsignment) or on Twitter (www.twitter.com/staconsignment)!
FashioniSTA File: SAG Awards
Jan 30th
Awards season is in full force, and we’ve spent the last 24 hours taking in all the highs and lows of last night’s SAG Awards. While this awards show was pretty subdued - read: boring - there were a few stand-outs (and fashion stand-offs). From the cut-outs to the dramatic drapes, just because the fashion wasn’t as exciting as other awards shows, doesn’t mean we can’t dissect it…and hope that the Oscars really brings the style drama that we’ve been craving.
One of the biggest trends of the evening was white/off-white dresses. It says something about an awards show when even the main trend of the night is colorless. From Kristen Wiig’s ill use of neckwear to Viola Davis looking stunning in a sweetheart neckline, this trend ran the gamete from the bad to the good. Naya Rivera’s silver-shaded, plunging neckline number made this Glee girl look her best yet, while her costar Lea Michele donned a less shiny version of the same shade in a Versace molded gown with a high slit. Sarah Hyland also wore an almost identical shade with her dove Temperley dress, featuring just the right amount of beading. Then there was Julianna Margulies and Katrina Bowden wearing practically the same dress, Zoe Saldana in haute couture, and Linda Gray in an off-the-shoulder gown. We lost track counting how many people wore an almost identical shade of off-white. Did everyone confuse this event with a wedding?
Best Dressed
Enough of the fashion analysis, we’re going with Rico Rodriguez as our best dressed. This little man has the charisma of a true Hollywood star and the manners of a Jane Austen character. And since everyone else decided to leave the glamour at the door, Rico has stolen our hearts.
Runners-Up
Emma Stone in a girly Alexander McQueen (lose the bag and it would look even better) took a fashion risk and came out on top. And Kyra Sedgewick’s bright cut-out Pucci number was a slam-dunk for the actress, going fashion-forward while showing off her new tattoo (and amazing body), all without going over-the-top.
Worst Dressed
Busy Phillips in SIMONE by Katie Nehra really took the cake for worst dressed, wearing a caftan-like dress that belongs more on a beach than a red carpet.
Best Newcomer
Ahna O’Reilly in Nha Khanh was the perfect addition to the red carpet this year. With the dramatic back and the crimson color, this dress certainly wasn’t boring, but wasn’t too showy for someone not directly nominated.
Best Couple
Emily Blunt and John Krasinski were the perfect couple on the red carpet, with just the right amount of attention paid to their outfits and each other. Emily in a bright green Oscar de la Renta lit the carpet on fire, while John was her perfect counterpart in a classic tuxedo.
We Hope the Rumors Are True!
Apr 26th
Lee McQueen’s death a little over a year ago was a tragic event in the world of fashion. Friends, colleagues and fans alike mourned the loss of him and his incredible talent.
Thankfully, the world did not lose Alexander McQueen as well. Instead, Sarah Burton – McQueen’s former women’s ready-to-wear designer – stepped into his shoes and hasn’t missed a beat. Her clothing and accessories have stayed true to the Lee McQueen legacy by drawing on similar themes and aesthetics, but they have been infused with an additional feminine sensibility that has endeared fans and critics alike and her Fall 2011 RTW collection is no different.
Unveiled amidst the buzz that Burton may have been selected to design Kate Middleton’s wedding dress for the royal wedding, the Fall 2011 collection did nothing to dispel these rumors. Instead, 5 of the final 8 designs in the show were very bridal-gown-esque creations.
If the rumors are true and Burton is dressing Kate for her big day, then hats off to the princess-to-be. Not only is McQueen a distinctly British design house, drawing strongly upon the heritage of the country, but it is a bold fashion choice for the generally conservative dresser. Alexander McQueen has been dressing the urban warrior and the fearless fashionista for almost two decades and I can’t think of a better message to send. In McQueen, Middleton will be exuding fierce confidence and feminine strength on not only the first day of her marriage, but also her first day as part of the royal family.
My choice for Kate? I like look #27 of 34 in the McQueen Fall 2011 RTW collection (above) – the floor-sweeping dress with a voluminous white frayed organza tiered skirt and bodice collaged in shattered blue and green porcelain that is shown above. Why, you ask?? Well, it’s bold, edgy and unexpected and it will match that big blue sparkler that she’s got.
Congratulations, William and Kate! STA wishes you the best!
~Marisa, FashioniSTA, Second Time Around
FashioniSTA File: SAG Awards 2011
Feb 3rd
Awards season continues! We’re taking a quick break from shopping our hearts out at the big STA sale to bring you the dish on the SAG Awards red carpet. Here we break down the top trends of the night, from the grand slams to the strikeouts (can you tell we just bought baseball tickets?). This awards show had a surprising number of impeccably dressed celebs (even Helena Bonham Carter didn’t look terrible), but since this is one of the more liberal events, there are always the few who take it to the extreme. Check out who made the cut and whose dress needs to be cut, straight from The FashioniSTAs.
White Hot
No one loves wearing summer-appropriate clothing during the winter months quite like the citizens of Los Angeles. It’s almost as if they’re rubbing it in our faces that we’re cold and they’re not. That aside, some of these white gowns didn’t quite make the cut. Eva Longoria (far left) showed up in a Georges Hobeika dress with a draped, plunging neckline that almost looked like she was the victim of a Halloween TP-ing incident. Amy Adams (center right) also donned this summer shade, going with a Herve L. Leroux gown that would have been gorgeous if it had properly fit her. The worst of the bunch? Winona Ryder (center left) in an actual wedding gown by Alberta Ferretti. Self-explanatory.
However, the shining (white) light of this trend was Natalie Portman (far right) in a gorgeous crystal-trimmed, strapless Azzaro gown. Our only complaint is that the fit across her baby bump was for someone not pregnant.
Orange You Glad
I feel like everywhere I turned someone was showing up in a nude-colored dress, from basically the entire female ensemble of Glee to Kate Mara to Hilary Swank. This seemed to be the season of nude shades, but at this awards show, a few were bold enough to take it a step further and go orange. Sarah Hyland (below, left)– one of our favorite new fashionistas – looked sleek, if not a little too old, in her Max Mara knotted-waist dress. One thing that maybe didn’t work with this ensemble? The oddly mismatched arm jewelry, which kept her looking a little less put together than she did at the Golden Globes. Jayma Mays (below, right) also went with this hue, looking dewy and fresh in a Jenny Packham number. She made it look effortlessly perfect with just the right amount of metallic embellishment, and her hair color only made the outfit better.
Not-So-Basic Black
In order to wear black on the red carpet and not get completely ignored, your dress has to have an additional wow-factor. Judging from the Malandrino plunging neckline pantsuit, Julie Bowen (far left)decided to go in a different direction with black and lose the dress part altogether. I’m not sure if she was channeling J.Lo, but she hit the red carpet in style, going sleek and modern with the most perfect makeup. Amber Riley (far right) in Anne Barge also rocked the awards show with her full-on diva look. If this is any indication of her star power, hold on to your seat. She’d give anyone a run for their money in this number – which was originally a wedding dress, although it’s so awards-show-fabulous, you’d never be able to tell. Christina Hendricks (center) also went with black in a long-sleeved, sparkly L’Wren Scott number, which at first glance looks as if it had the potential to be a great departure from the black norm. But taking a closer look, the color is too severe on her pale skin, and the shoes definitely didn’t help.
Print Crazy
If you want to go experimental at any of the awards shows, the SAG Awards is definitely the way to go. The girls who took the print plunge definitely deserve to be in an elite fashion category, from Mila Kunis (below, left) in a perfectly-styled Alexander McQueen that solidified her as this season’s top fashionista, to Hailee Steinfeld worthy of a place in the young Hollywood hall of fame in a striped Prada. The list goes on with January Jones in an antique gold, lace-print Carolina Herrera, Julia Stiles (below, right) in a crisp, ombré Monique Lhuillier, and Claire Danes (below, center) in a belted, floral Louis Vuitton.
The FashioniSTA Verdict
Marisa
Best Dressed: January Jones
Best Dressed: January Jones in Carolina Herrera (right). She was the complete package and had some serious “wow” factor. I loved the intricate gold pattern on black background and the fit – slightly loose, conservative t-shirt shape on top, fitted through the hips and thighs and then ending in a mermaid flare – was dramatic. She accented the outfit with gold Roger Vivier pumps, simple black stud earrings and an old-Hollywood style side-swept up-do. Perfection!
Worst Dressed: Christina Hendricks in L’Wren Scott. This dress had some potential. However, there were just too many execution issues and unfortunately the look fell short. I don’t think that the fit was great and – as a result – her curves made her look heavy instead of voluptuous. Also, the combination of the full-length sleeves, the heavy-handed eyeliner and the fact that the dress was black was way too much for her fair skin. She looked almost gothic and, to be honest, a bit scary.
Rookie of the Year: Julie Bowen in Catherine Malandrino. I was very impressed with the Modern Family actor’s sleek, modern look. She sported a well-tailored, black jumper with a plunging halter neckline. Her accessories included a simple clutch and Neil Lane diamonds and her hair was worn down - sleek and straight – to complement her attire. This was a great choice for the SAG Awards which is traditionally a more casual event and it gave her a chance to showcase her beauty and style – a distinct departure from the role of suburban mom that she plays on her award-winning show.
Ashley
Rookie of the Year: Ariel Winter
Best Dressed: Lea Michele in Oscar de la Renta. I LOVE this whole throwback to the ‘70s, and this sleek silhouette is so much more flattering than the 800 fussy ruffles she wore to the Golden Globes. The whole look was effortlessly gorgeous with just the right amount of sparkle for a cast nominee.
Worst Dressed: Lauren Vélez from Dexter. She’s not one of the most photographed actresses, and this time that was probably a blessing for her. Not only do I not understand this whole bedazzled flower halter top (and I always understand bedazzling), but I think I had the same skirt in the 7th grade from the Gap.
On-the-Fence: Julie Bowen in Malandrino. The pantsuit was definitely a fashion risk, whether it paid off depends on if you saw it on television or in print. But what I do know is that her sleek hair and minimalist jewelry/makeup definitely pushes her more on the fashion “do” side of things.
Rookie of the Year: Ariel Winter (right) in Luisa Beccaria. This white, tea-length dress was perfect on her, the whole dress just worked between the texture, the slight ruffle at the collar and the black belt. She looked age-appropriate and fashion-forward, the great makings of a future fashionista.
Biggest Comeback: Tina Fey in Oscar de la Renta. FINALLY, she looked great! We knew she had fashion potential, and now we can actually see it. The color, the texture, the hair, jewelry, makeup…it all works! *Standing ovation*
Leslie
Worst Dressed: Jennifer Lawrence
Best Dressed: Mila Kunis in Alexander McQueen Resort Collection. She looked absolutely radiant in a strapless cut. The bare shoulder flattered her wavy hair, and the splashes of red and train dazzled the already red carpet. I loved her smoky eyes, it definitely was an “all eyes on her” moment. The small thin belt accentuated her already small waist. She was a show stopper in my eyes; and I’m all about that. Kudos Kunis, kudos.
Worst Dressed: Jennifer Lawrence (right) in Oscar de la Renta. Can someone please explain to me what color pink this is? If it was a nail polish it would be named NIPP (NEVER IN PUBLIC PINK). Besides the fact that I’m not a fan of neon colors especially pink, yikes, there’s too much going on. The straps look like a bad mummy wrap. I think it’s hypocritical to have a slit all the way up your thigh then pair it up with a dainty little girl bow belt.
On-The-Fence: Nicole Kidman in Nina Ricci. A lot of people like the black lace Nina Ricci gown but I’m not sure about it. Black wasn’t a trend from what I saw nor do I think I’ve seen Nicole Kidman in a lot of black, and I see why. The black lace gown with jeweled incrusted neckline had a gothic appeal and I found it ugly, plain and simple.
Kim
Best Dressed: Mila Kunis in Alexander McQueen. Easy, breezy, and beautiful.
On-the-Fence: Hailee Steinfeld
Worst Dressed: Oh, where do I begin?? Let’s start with Angie Harmon in Monique Lhuillier — I have yet to see a feathered dress that doesn’t look like it belongs on the JC Penney’s 1998 Prom Rack. The two ladies who most drastically caught my eye, however, were Nicole Kidman in Nina Ricci and Kate Mara in Hervé Leger by Max Azria. Whaaaaaat was going on there? Kidman’s ensemble choice was just confusing (and where on earth did that necklace come from? What about that dress said “this neckline really needs some floral stuff”?) and Mara looked downright uncomfortable. Was that dress too small? Or did you just realize too late that you look terrible?
On-the-Fence: Hailee Steinfeld (right) in Prada — the fit was great and the colors were bold, but I’m not sure if I should congratulate you on being eye-catching or warn you against that kind of future statement. Plus, Julie Bowen in Maladrino — gutsy move on the pantsuit. It looked a little too casual for my taste, but I appreciate the confidence.
Rookie of the Year: Jayma Mays in Jenny Packham. Great cut and the shoes are fab, but it’s a rookie mistake to wear such a washout shade. I’ve got my eye on you, Mays. Also, Mindy Kaling in Tadashi Shoji looked great – hey, Kim Kardashian, THIS is how you rock a Roman look!
Biggest Comeback: Tina Fey in Oscar de la Renta. I haven’t seen her look this radiant since her sexy January 2009 Vanity Fair cover.
Check back as we sound off on the Grammys in a couple weeks!
Alexander McQueen Resort 2011
Jul 19th
Sarah Burton showed her first autonomous collection as creative director for Alexander McQueen on Monday, June 21st and - in the words of Tim Blanks, contributing writer for Style.com – “proved she’s the only choice to expand on Lee McQueen’s legacy.”
Burton drew from the rich history of the McQueen archives, but introduced a feminine touch to the collection that informed it with a more delicate sensibility. Lee McQueen’s calling cards were still there – brocades, heavily detailed embroidery, a fascination with the morbid, the juxtaposition of hard and soft and the allure of high-wattage glamour – but she also incorporated a calling card of her own; the fusing of two fabrics into one which the fashion world first saw in the Fall 2010 collection that she completed following McQueen’s untimely death.
All in all, the collection was a success – a true “best-case scenario.” Not only did it show reverence to the history of the label and to its creator, but it also displayed the personality of its new designer. A nod to the past and a glimpse of the future and – I dare say – reason enough for a deep sigh of relief from the fashion world.
Congratulations Sarah Burton!
~ Marisa, Director of Styling, Second Time Around
Sarah Burton named Creative Director of Alexander McQueen
Jun 14th
Back in February, I reluctantly and sadly blogged about the untimely death of Lee [Alexander] McQueen, the founder and designer of the Alexander McQueen brand. At the time, the future of the design house was uncertain. Lee was in his prime when he took his own life and the thought of a successor had never crossed anyone’s mind. However, the Gucci Group promised that the label would live on and live on it did.
Sarah Burton – McQueen’s right-hand woman for over 14 years and head of womenswear design – completed the Fall2010 collection that he had begun and showed it in a private parlor setting to critical reviews.
So, it came as no surprise that Burton was named creative director on May 27, 2010.
Burton will present her first set of autonomous work as a pre-collection in June and her first full spring collection in Paris in October.
I can truly say that I do not envy her. Not only is she working in the absence of her close friend and mentor, but she is also working in his shadow – a shadow that is very heavy and far-reaching. My thoughts are with her. One can only hope that her connection with McQueen is more than corporeal and that the fashion world is kind to her.
~Marisa, Director of Styling, Second Time Around
Spring 2010 Trends Report – Part 3
Mar 22nd
For the third and final installment of our spring 2010 Trends Report, we would like to focus on the fabric trends of spring 2010.
Spring Leather
One of the most popular fabrics for spring is most definitely leather. Generally a fabric reserved for the fall and winter, leather took a spin on the runways in the form of shorts, tee-shirts, dresses and skirts – garments not traditionally cut from this material – and found itself dyed to pale neutrals in order to be spring-ready. Spring leather showed up on the models at Costume National, Alexander Wang, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Chloe and Celine, just to name a few.
Craftsmanship
When not working in leather, designers chose to manipulate their fabrics as only true craftsmen can. They draped, pleated, burned, ripped, braided, shredded, ruffled and printed computer-generated designs on fabrics both standard and out-of-the-ordinary. Rodarte, Lanvin, Burberry Prorsum, Alexander McQueen and Comme des Garcons created some of the most beautiful examples of this outstanding craftsmanship.
We hope that you all enjoyed our first Spring Trends Report! Hopefully it made the incredible variety of looks that stomped down the Spring 2010 runways seem more organized and wearable. We do plan to blog about each season’s trends in a similar fashion in the future, so check back in with us the next time that a trip to Style.com has your head spinning….
In the meantime, happy shopping!
~Marisa, Director of Styling, Second Time Around
The Alexander McQueen brand will live on.
Feb 19th
Robert Polet – president and chief executive officer for Gucci Group, the parent company to McQueen’s brand – announced that although McQueen “is irreplaceable,” they “believe in the future of the brand” and that “a continuation of the business would be the best testimony to his talent.”
Announcements were also made that the fall McQueen show would be presented during Paris Fashion Week. However, it will not be presented in true McQueen style. Instead of the theatrical displays that McQueen was known for, the collection will be shown by invitation only in a private salon format at an undisclosed location on March 9 and 10.
What wasn’t announced – or even hinted at – was who McQueen’s predecessor would be. Those in the know speculate that Sarah Burton, McQueen’s long time women’s wear design partner, is in the running, but the Gucci Group has remained quiet on the topic.
Although the future of the brand seems so much brighter than a week ago, it is clear that more uncertainty lies ahead. Fans can only hope that in the six months before the Spring 2011 shows debut, the Gucci Group can find answers to all of the lingering questions. ~Marisa, Director of Styling, Second Time Around