Posts tagged oscars
Make Your Prom (or Any Special Event) Red Carpet Worthy
Mar 12th
Spring is right around the corner (according to the calendar), which means that prom season is upon every high school fashionista. Instead of blending in with every black dress that hits the dance floor, assert your style stardom by taking a cue from this year’s red carpets. This year’s trends range from pastel hues to gold embellishments, so choose a trend and dive right in!
1. Bejeweled Beauties
Another hot red carpet trend has been unexpected accessory sparkle. From backwards necklaces (hello, Jennifer Lawrence at the Oscars) to embellished brooches styled as hair clips, claim your style star status by styling your jewelry in unconventional ways. You can also kick this trend up a notch by using colored gemstones, or by doing a larger statement piece. Grab a statement necklace – like these – and finish it off with a smaller hair jewel or an oversized cocktail ring.
2. Lighten Up
If you watched any of the Oscars red carpet coverage, then you saw the endless parade of pale-hued gowns that graced the event. Trying out a pale pink, blue or gray dress is very on-trend and it is also a classic color palette that won’t embarrass you later. You also don’t need to be afraid to embrace white, you can easily pull off the trend by going with a sleek silhouette instead of something tulle-enhanced to avoid looking bridal.
3. Go Bold for Gold
Last year was all about the neon, but this year has been focused on embellishments and gold accents. Whether you’re comfortable going for gold like Kate Hudson at the Golden Globes, or you like the whole pseudo-lamé thing like Jennifer Lawrence at the premiere of The Hunger Games, this is definitely a trend for the bold. To try it subtly, go with a large, gold statement necklace, or belt a black gown with a high-shine gold belt. Don’t forget the gold-embellished clutch!
4. Matching Colorblocking
If you’re looking to go with a bright color, pair your accessories accordingly. Not only is colorblocking still a huge trend - read: a bright pink dress with a yellow or blue clutch - Another great red carpet look is matching your shoes/bag to your dress, or choosing a close shade and playing off the monochromatic look. To take on this trend with an unexpected silhouette, go with a t-shirt-inspired sleeve – like that on Nina Dobrev at the SAG Awards or Niki Reed at the Golden Globes after-party. This unexpected silhouette is strikingly modern without being too trendy.
5. Softer Shades on Your Face
Stark makeup has had its moment, but it was refreshing to see a more ethereal look on many of the red carpet stars this year. From Amanda Seyfried at the Oscars to Nicole Richie at the Golden Globes, pastel hues were a huge hit with young Hollywood. Plus, while bold makeup shades can make you look older, no one wants to look washed-up at their own prom.
Want to get the inside scoop on this year’s prom must-haves? Join us at our Haddonfield, NJ store on March 16th from 12pm – 6pm for our exclusive prom event! You can bring in your unwanted gowns and consign them, browse our first selection of prom dresses, snack on sweets, enter our giveaway for a $50 gift card, plus watch hair and makeup demos from two stylists with the Verde Salon in Collingswood. See you there!
Photo credit: JustJared.com; PopSugar.com; FashionMagazine.com
FashioniSTA File: Oscars 2013
Feb 25th
We’re handing out our own superlatives for this year’s Academy Awards to our best and worst looks of the night. From stand-out accessories to cutest baby bumps to red carpet disasters, we give out our own awards to those who deserve it most.
Best Accessories: Jennifer Lawrence in Dior Couture
While she didn’t trip on the endless diamond necklace she was sporting, this backwards necklace was my favorite accessories look of the night (followed closely by Sandra Bullock’s hair pin). With the up-do, the simple drop earrings and the light, ethereal makeup, the whole look was perfection.
Best Red Lip: Jessica Chastain in Armani Privé
Looking amazing in a custom-made gown, Jessica definitely made up for her ill-fitting SAG Awards dress. But the icing on this sequined cake was definitely her striking red lip, which took the ensemble from monochromatic to magnificent.
Best Couple: Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan
This almost went to George Clooney and Stacy Keibler, but Jenna’s pregnant with Magic Mike’s baby, so she wins. Wearing a black lace Rachel Roy dress, Jenna showed us how to go fitted in the right way when sporting a bump.
Best Embellishment: Kerry Washington in Miu Miu
Playing off the Fall 2012 embellishment trend, this red/coral dress was perfect on her petite frame. The tiny bow and embellishment gave this simple shape a youthful feel, and the slightly darker hued bag made for an air of interesting.
Best Spring 2013 Trends: Zoe Saldana in Alexis Mabille Couture
While this dress had a lot of detail going on, the fact that it was almost monochromatic helped the embellishments blend into the dress beautifully. With ruffles and black/white being hot trends for spring, Zoe’s fresh take on ombré is strikingly modern.
Most Offensive: Anne Hathaway in Prada
This is what happens when you change it up at the last minute. It was assumed – even by the designer – that she would be wearing Valentino, so it was a slap in the face when she showed up in what she did. Not only do we expect more from a nominee (even though the back almost saved the dress), but do we even have to mention the awkward darts? The fact that her nipples now have their own Twitter account sums up this look’s legacy.
~Ashley, FashioniSTA
Images by: Huffington Post/Getty, Allure.com, Eonline.com, UsMagazine.com, Popsugar.com
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)!
Anne Hathway and the Oscar Eight
Mar 5th
The verdict may still be out as to whether or not Anne Hathaway was a good host, but no one can argue that Rachel Zoe is an incredible stylist. Anne Hathaway changed no less than 7 times last night, for a total of 8 show-stopping looks. The FashioniSTAs break it down, one quick change at a time!
1. Valentino Couture Red Gown – Ashley’s Favorite Pick
Marisa: Classic Valentino red on the red carpet, escorted by Valentino Garavani himself. I don’t like red gowns very much because I am not a big “red” person, but it was hard to argue with this one.
Ashley: I LOVED this option when I saw it on camera. It was super elegant and the color was perfect on her skin (although the red nails were a little overkill), and it just screamed “Movie Star.” Then I saw it in photos, and I don’t know what flash some of these photogs are using, but they now have the uncanny ability to completely destroy dresses with one click.
Kim: The color looked stunning on her, but I felt the dress itself was predictable — just another fancy dress in a sea of fanciness.
2. Givenchy Grecian Studded Gown – Leslie’s Favorite Pick
Marisa: Givenchy can really do no wrong this awards season - Florence Welch at the Grammys, Cate Blanchett at the Oscars - and this silver embellished Grecian gown is no different.
Ashley: It was hard picking a favorite because this one was so spectacular as well. The detail was incredible, and even with her skin being so fair, she pulled this dress off beautifully.
Leslie: Rachel Zoe proved that she knows her stuff by putting Anne in 8 wardrobe changes, truly spectacular on Rachel’s part and Anne carried them all well. But this one was my all time favorite, as soon as walked out she show-stopped the place.
Kim: This dress was so gorgeous. Very royal, very appropriate for the moment.
3. Custom Lanvin Tux – Marisa’s Favorite Pick
Marisa: This was my absolute favorite Anne Hathaway moment of last night. Not only was the outfit made custom for her by Alber Elbaz himself, but it was paired with dedazzled Brian Atwood pumps and a Brigitte Bardot-inspired ponytail. In the words of Zoe herself, I die.
Ashley: The overall look of this ensemble was genius. It worked with the number that she performed, and the pumps were incredible. It was the perfect way to infuse some life into the evening!
Kim: I wasn’t sold on Hathaway’s charm until she busted out this little number, coupled with a song-and-dance routine. Who knew that girl had pipes? Seriously, my heart melts from her cuteness every time I even see a picture of this outfit.
4. Vivienne Westwood
Marisa: I am on the fence here. The gown had potential, but I got distracted by the large necklace and drag-queen hair…
Ashley: This one was the only atrocious look out of the pack. The hair, the necklace, the dress, the whole look was so overdone and it ended up looking like a costume rather than couture. Unless she’s playing Mother Ginger in an off-season performance of The Nutcracker, she should have lost this look.
Kim: I liked the dress, but I’m with Marisa on this one — the hair and the necklace just ruined it. The slight deconstruction of the dress needed to be paired with a more wild look, so the polish up top was poorly matched.
5. Oscar de la Renta Fringed Dress – Kim’s Favorite Pick
Marisa: This dress was both fabulous and fun. Even Anne couldn’t resist twirling about on stage to make the fringe float.
Ashley: Gorgeous. This was everything an Oscar dress should symbolize: drama and energy. I’m loving the whole ’70s trend that’s coming back, and this was the perfect example of this style done right. I’ll throw it over to Kim to sum up this look, I have a feeling she might like this one…
Kim: Out… Of… The… Ballpark. YES YES YES, Hathaway! Lots of fringe is seldom done right, and she struck gold with this one.
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6. Armani Privé Cobalt Dress
Marisa: “Fierce” is the word that comes to mind. The color was out-of-this-world and the structured silhouette was futuristic, yet somehow it still looked classic and elegant. Giorgio Armani has still got it!!
Ashley: As a closet superfan of Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century, I love anything with a futuristic flair. This color was also a great nod to the upcoming Spring brights, and Armani has continued to wow this awards season (minus the misstep with Reese Witherspoon at this show).
Kim: The color was fabulous! I could have done without the shine, and I’m just not a big fan of that shoulder line, but I really enjoyed seeing Hathaway bust out the bold colors, and this dress is one of them.
7. Atelier Versace Burgundy Gown
Marisa: Donatella certainly knows how to make a show-stopper. The intricate, body-hugging banding details and subtle shimmer made it sexy, but the color kept it regal and classy. Love.
Ashley: The structure of this dress was so intricate, and the color was a great shade against Anne’s fair skin. This was a great choice for the host, it really popped on stage, but if it had been photographed on the carpet, the detail might have gotten lost, and the color would have clashed with the carpet.
Kim: I love the hue and the detail of the dress, but you could really only see it up close. From a distance, it was just another big dress. The color, in my opinion, was the only saving grace of this piece.
8. Tom Ford Sheer, Bedazzled Gown 
Marisa: This was an interesting choice by Zoe and I loved it. This long-sleeved, high-neck dress was still “Tom Ford-sexy” and had a bit of a vampy edge to it. It was also one of the only examples of his first women’s collection at the Oscars.
Ashley: This was my least favorite, and probably the most unflattering option. This would probably have worked better if it was super short and Anne Hathaway was debuting her short program for the Women’s Figure Skating portion of the Olympics.
Kim: This just seemed SO matronly on her. I thought she was supposed to represent a more YOUNG and HIP version of the Oscars?
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FashioniSTA File: Oscars 2011
Mar 5th
The biggest awards show is without a doubt the Oscars, and this ceremony brought out some of the best outfits of the year! In comparison to last year’s gala, we noticed a lot more poise and polish. Last year was a mixed bag of prints and ruffles and experimental fashion, and this year was a definite return to the glitz and glamour that is expected at such a show. We break it down from the gowns to the jewels, FashioniSTA style!
Big Time Jewels
We know that the first thing that catches your eye is the dress, but this year’s show brought out such a wide variety of shiny accessories, that we just can’t ignore them. Hailee Steinfeld’s Fred Leighton’s diamond headband was an adorable addition to her youthful, ballerina-esque ensemble. Céline Dion’s Bulgari pendant was stunning, and an exquisite addition to her streamlined gown. These jewels saved some of the outfit disasters that hit the red carpet, such as Nicole Kidman’s gorgeous Fred Leighton necklace (right) that offset her poor Dior gown choice.
But some jewelry choices were just plain distracting. Amy Adams in Cartier should fire her stylist, that necklace is not meant for that neckline, and the cuff is jewel overkill. And wait until we get to Reese Witherspoon, her emerald earrings are just the tip of the iceberg.
Mismatched Hair Choices
One bizarre trend this season was horribly underdone hairstyles paired with fabulous dresses. Sharon Stone looked great in John Galliano for Christian Dior, but what was going on on top of her head? She had a serious bubble with out of control wisps. Amy Adams tried hard to channel Veronica Lake, but she was in some serious need of conditioner and the choice was all wrong for that L’Wren Scott dress of hers. And poor Sandra Bullock just can’t seem to get a break at the salon – her Vera Wang dress was out of sight, but it looked like someone just grabbed chunks of her hair and pinned them at random. I feel like this is how my hair looks when I’m at the spa. But for Reese Witherspoon (right), she had the exact opposite problem – wonderful ponytail fall, but paired with the earrings and the outdated dress, it was too much. If she lost the earrings and paired the hair with a different dress, like Hailee Steinfeld’s Marchesa, for example, and Witherspoon would have been too adorable for words.
The FashioniSTA Picks
Marisa
Best Dressed: Cate Blanchett (right) in Givenchy Couture was breathtaking. It was 
everything that a red-carpet gown should be - unique and on the cutting edge of fashion yet wearable so that the actress was still the focus. Her earrings were small so as not to distract from the beautiful beading on her shoulders and chest and her hair was soft and simple - a perfect match. I loved everything about this dress - the color, the beading, the cut-out, the draping - but what really made it a show-stopper was the way in which Cate wore it. She can handle an edgy dress with ease - an Oscar-worthy red carpet moment indeed!
Worst Dressed: Thank God Melissa Leo won the Oscar for best Actress in a Supporting Role so that there was something to focus on other than that atrocious Marc Bouwer dress. The heavy-handed lace, the gold foil lining, the high collar, the structured shoulder, the spider-beetle necklace (what in the world??!!)…there was WAY too much going on and none of it was flattering. I loved her in the Fighter, but I hated her in that dress.
On the Fence: Gwyneth Paltrow looked absolutely stunning in the metallic column dress by Calvin Klein Collection. It fit her to a T, her hair matched it perfectly and the way it moved…incredible. However, I was totally put off by the jeweled brooch at her hip and matching earrings. The brooch at her hip totally distracted from the clean, statuesque lines of the dress and I thought that the multi-colored stones on the jewelry were too much. Her stylist could have definitely introduced an additional color to the ensemble, but just one color would have been best. I am thinking big emeralds…
Rookie of the Year: Hailey Steinfeld’s tea-length Marchesa dress was the perfect choice for this young star. It was appropriate for the occasion and most importantly, it was appropriate for her age. She looked like a princess and I am sure that she felt like one too. The makeup was clean and simple - subtle liner and mascara and a pink lip - and the silver headband and ballerina bun kept it youthful and fun. I hope that she had a fabulous time!
Biggest Comeback: Sharon Stone has ended up on Worst-Dressed Lists more often than Best-Dressed Lists of late. However, she redeemed herself last night. The form-fitting black dress with feather embellishments was both classic and of-the-moment all at the same time. But, the feathers and the asymmetrical neckline placed Stone directly in line with the current trends. Her clutch was simple and added some additional texture and her hair was in a classic French twist, but with some added height for drama. I may have preferred if her makeup artist didn’t have such a heavy hand with the eyeliner (it makes her look a little crazy and, let’s be honest, Sharon Stone doesn’t need any help looking crazy…), but other than that, it was a red-carpet A+!!
Ashley
Best Dressed: Anne Hathaway in Valentino Couture, before the flash photography got a hold of her. It was the epitome of timeless elegance when I saw it on the red carpet coverage, and it makes me very sad that the photographs ruin it. Cate Blanchett’s allusion to my fave holiday - Easter - was also a breath of fresh air. Fashion-foward that works. 
Worst Dressed: Florence Welch (right). Looking like what I’d imagine the wife in the attic in Jane Eyre, I’m borderline shocked that Valentino would let this loose on the red carpet. But then again, they also designed that daisy disaster that Michelle Williams wore to the Golden Globes.
On the Fence: Mandy Moore in Monique Lhuillier. I loved the gold sparkles with the illusion detail, but something about this felt wrong. Between the color of the dress, her skin tone, her makeup, and her hair, she just looked washed out, and a little old.
Biggest Comeback: Celine Dion in Armani Privé. Although she’s never been a worst-dressed offender, I can’t recall the last time I saw her on a red carpet. She made her big comeback in the best way possible, by wearing a killer dress (she had twins recently?!) and paying homage to her last Oscar appearance with her “Heart of the Ocean”-esque pendant.
Rookie of the Year: My girl crush on Selena Gomez grows every time I see her on the red carpet. Although she wasn’t part of the Oscars until the Vanity Fair after party, she looked AMAZING in a red Dolce and Gabbana gown. Her hair, makeup and accessories were the perfect complements to the dress, her overall look was just stunning.
Leslie 
Best Dressed: Halle Berry (right) in Marchesa. She looked radiant in a nude strapless crystal corset gown. It had has silk tulle ruffles that made it look like she was floating on a cloud. Halle Berry never disappoints me and this dress proves it.
Worst Dressed: Scarlett Johansson in Dolce and Gabbana. The purple doily looking ensemble was terrible, I personally think she’s beautiful all the time but that gown did nothing for her and her figure.
On the Fence: Amy Adams in L’Wren Scott. The royal blue sequin gown was to dieeeeeeee for but the accessories through me for a loop. Granted they were Cartier but the emerald green necklace and bracelet on blue??? No idea what she was thinking but none the less she was wearing a spectacular dress.
Rookie of the Year: Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa. Truly a pretty little ballerina moment. I thought it worked really well for being that she’s fourteen, it was modest and a great approach to the Oscars. I’m sure we’ll see more of her in the future.
Best Dressed: Matthew McConaughey’s better half Camila Alves (right) in Kaufman Franco… I know, I know, not exactly who you would expect, but that dress was JUST TOO GOOD. The Oscars are all about polish, and that Camila was the essence of sleek. Same could be said for Jennifer Hudson in Atelier Versace. Execution? FLAWLESS.
Worst Dressed: My biggest “ugh” of the night went to Mark Ruffalo’s wife, Sunrise Coigney in Jean Paul Gaultier. What…was…that?! Oh, and Reese Witherspoon? I think I saw your dress when I was perusing the Cosmo Prom Issue back in 1996…only then it was made by Zum Zum and not Armani Privé.
On the Fence: Cate Blanchett in Givenchy…in the end, I liked it, but it just seemed a little too “walking art” for me. Jennifer Lawrence donned a Calvin Klein sheath, and she looked jaw-dropping sexy. But for the Oscars? It felt a little too casual.
Biggest Comeback: Sandra Bullock in Vera Wang. That dress was so gorgeous on her, and if you recall the walking nightmare that was her Golden Globes outift, I think we can all agree that Bullock is back on track.
Rookie of the Year: Hailee Steinfeld — at 14 years old, she drew that design, brought it to Marchesa, and they made it for her. Rookie? Welcome to the Big Leagues!
Stay tuned for bigger and better things from the FashioniSTAs!!
SPOTLIGHT ON: Arnold Scaasi, “Scaasi: American Couturier”
Jan 7th
In 2009, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston acquired a major coup — more than 100 couture designs by Arnold Scaasi, in addition to press clippings and sketchbooks from his late-1950s-to-early-1990s collections. “Scaasi: American Couturier,’’ now showing at the MFA through June 2011, is our first look at 28 of the cocktail dresses, gowns, and costumes he custom-created throughout the years. The designs on display highlight his relationships with four members of his select clientele: singer / actress Barbara Streisand, New York socialites Joetta Norban and Gayfryd Steinberg, and Broadway / television star Arlene Francis.
Bringing to light Scaasi’s touch for event-ready panache, the collection includes the famous sequined pants outfit that was worn by Streisand during her 1969 Oscar win, along with stage costumes worn in her early concerts, a fur ensemble worn on a trip to Canada in 1970, and costumes worn in On a Clear Day. In addition to these theatrical pieces, cocktail dresses and gala gowns from yesteryear are brought forward to showcase the design detail that helped earn Scaasi his status as an elite designer.
Born Arnold Isaacs in 1935, the son of a Montreal furrier, Scaasi moved to NYC in the early 1950s where he worked as an apprentice for the elaborate couturier, Charles James. Influenced by James’ idea of building an evening dress as you would a piece of sculpture, this early training led Scaasi to approach clothing design as a three-dimensional construction project.
Changing his name in the mid-1950s to Scaasi (Isaacs spelled backwards), he became one of the few designers capable of sustaining a made-to-order business in the burgeoning age of ready-to-wear. His designs breathed new life into the elite world of evening apparel, re-energizing the American fashion industry. With bold colors, luxurious fabrics, and dramatic shapes, he quickly rose to fame. By the end of 1958, he had won the Coty American Fashion Critics Award for best designer of the year and had seen his clothing featured on the covers of Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar… all before reaching age of 30. Finally, he realized he preferred designing privately for the women he adored, his devoted and exclusive clientele. Stars and socialites such as Joan Crawford, Barbra Streisand, Elizabeth Taylor, Charlotte Ford, Blaine Trump and Brooke Astor were all a part of his client list, which also included First Ladies from Mamie Eisenhower to Barbara and Laura Bush.
Scaasi was noted for his tailored suits and glamorous dresses trimmed with feathers, fur, sequins, and fine embroidery. “I create clothes that are pretty, usually with an interesting mix of fabrics,” he has said. “I like luxurious fabrics — great quality for day, and opulence for the evening. I am definitely not a minimalist designer! Clothes with some adornment are more interesting to look at and are more fun to wear.”
Head on over to the MFA to check out this fashionable exhibition, which is included with general admission — it’s not often you get to stand side-by-side with such creations! While there, pop into fashion photographer Richard Avedon’s exhibit, which we fashioniSTAs blogged about back in August! Together with the MFA, we’re here to help you keep the pulse on the styles of yesterday and today.
~Kim, FashioniSTA, Second Time Around
All That Glitters: Oscar Fashion Round-Up 2010
Mar 9th
Cameron Diaz
Oh, the Oscars – Tinseltown’s annual glamour fest, the fashion-filled night where the stars save the best for last as they strut their style down the final red carpet of the awards season. In a night as important for fashion as it is for film, the celebrities at this year’s Academy Awards seemed to be taking a cue from Oscar himself. After all, this was the night to shine!
Finally breaking from the recent tradition of safe and subdued, three major tone trends could be spotted outside of the Kodak Theatre this year: metallics, vibrant blues, and nude hues.
Following the metallic trend was Kate Winslet in a strapless Yves St. Laurent paired with Tiffany diamonds, Sandra Bullock in embroidered Marchesa, Nicole Richie in a full-sleeved Reem Acra, and Cameron Diaz bringing old Hollywood glamour in a stunning Oscar de la Renta.
Nominee Maggie Gyllenhaal gave us a pop of color in her printed Dries van Noten, while all three “Precious” players arrived in nearly identical shades of blue – Gabourey Sidibe in gilded Marchesa, Mo’Nique in homage to 1939 winner Hattie McDaniel, and Mariah Carey in a slitted Valentino.
Maggie Gyllenhaal
Fleshing out the nude hues, we found Diane Kruger channeling a 1920s flapper in Chanel Haute Couture, nominee Anna Kendrick in Lebanese designer Elie Saab, and Demi Moore in ruffled Atelier Versace.
In a sea of ruffling sparkles and flowing princess gowns, it was easy to spot the few standouts of the night. Newcomer Carey Mulligan wore a youthful black Prada adorned with mini cutlery; red carpet darling Sarah Jessica Parker (in vintage Chanel Couture) wore some of the most impressive jewelry of the evening, with stacks of diamond-studded bangles teamed with the latest skin art trend — a temporary tattoo from Les Trompe-l’oeil de Chanel resembling a pearl chain. And how could we forget the over-the-top ensembles of Avatar’s Zoe Saldana (in a confectionary piece from Givenchy), nominee Vera Farmiga (in a sculptured Marchesa), and Charlize Theron (in an attention-grabbing “cinne-bust” by John Galliano for Dior).
The Oscars is like a grand, celeb-studded fashion show — stars dress to impress, and there’s no reward for playing it safe. The 2010 Academy Awards provided us seasoned fashioniSTAs with plenty ensembles to ogle and we honor those who took a chance and dazzled on the red carpet. Vogue Editor-At-Large Andre Leon Talley, in his program notes for 2007’s ‘A Celebration of Oscar Fashion,’ may have said it best…
“Oscar fashion is an extraordinary experience rooted in the power of individuality. Since the first Academy Awards ceremony in 1929, Oscar fashion has been a laser that beams around the world through the various levels of high fashion… the glamour, the aesthetic sensibility of one fabulous night, when the individual, the illusionist, the movie star, gave the world a glimpse of their personal style.”
~Kim, fashioniSTA
