Last night's Emmys showcased more awards-show diversity than has been seen a long time: both on the red carpet and among the nominees. The fashionable and talented really showed out last night and it was a breath of fresh air. Some of the best looks of the night all had an element of ethereal elegance to them.
Yara Shahidi's custom Prada dress felt like something out of a magical woodland fairytale with glittering vines of sequin over nude tulle.
Mille Bobby Brown was like a ballerina from a Degas painting come to life in her tea-length Calvin Klein confection. I love that she paired it with a dark manicure.
When I first saw this Ralph & Russo gown on the Couture Fall 2017 runway, I knew it would be perfect for the red carpet. Jessica Biel looked glamorous in it.
Also opting for dark nails with her princess-style Jason Wu dress, Thandie Newton was a vision of elegance.
Layers of tulle, complimentary shimmering details and romantic silhouettes make each of these looks simply gorgeous. They may look like princesses, but as Reese Witherspoon emphasized in her acceptance speech, it's time to "bring women to the front of their own stories and make them the heroes of their own stories." Who were your red carpet favorites at the Emmys?
New York Fashion Week just wrapped up and while there are so many shakeups happening in the industry (four editors of major magazines have left their posts in the past week!), the collections beautifully soldiered on. One of the biggest trends for Spring/Summer 2018 will definitely be fringe, as it was noticed on nearly every runway.
At Alexander Wang, fringe was incorporated into his must-have bags, like this belt bag that was styled high and over the shoulder.
Brightly-colored fringe added another variant of texture to Diane Von Furstenberg's skirt that was paired with a neutral cropped jacket.
Naeem Khan showed how this trend can work for the red carpet: tiered, fringed raffia lined his pastel gown, adding a fun elegance to the look.
Pamella Roland's take on this went in a more art-deco direction, with Gatsby-esque quality to her beaded and glittering cocktail dress.
At Sachin & Babi, you can almost feel the vibrancy of an eclectic strapless frock in a rainbow of tiered fringe.
Sexy and strappy, Sally La Pointe's little black dress featured a swath of fringe playing along the hem.
A colorful crossbody with long fringe accentuated the casual-chic and otherwise neutral look at Vivienne Tam.
New York Fashion Week's designers showed that the fringe trend can go from day to night. You can incorporate it into your wardrobe easily with statement accessories, or add pieces with full on fringe fabulousness! An added bonus: the added swing movement that fringe provides will entice you to strut your style just a bit more!
Just prior to the kickoff to the International Fashion Weeks in New York, London, Milan and finally Paris, Orange County celebrates style with a week full of chic runway presentations. This season's events each had special and even surprising elements to up the excitement surrounding the collections.
Day One: Electra Cruise's Eternity Yacht
The week began with a memorable cruise around Newport Harbor on an elegant 4-story yacht. Not many fashionistas present had seen a fashion show aboard a boat before so it was an amazing experience.
Atelier 7918 showed some favorite SoCal-chic looks from their local Crystal Cove boutique.
Cheri Elizabeth's glamorous designs were perfect for a special evening out or red carpet event. Watch the dazzling finale video below.
Gigi Hunter's impeccable hand-knit pieces were sexy and sassy. Watch the finale below.
Day Two: Waterfront Beach Resort, Huntington Beach
Couture was on deck for this night and the designers did not disappoint!
Jewel tones and caged straps were the theme of Alisha Needham's collection. Check out the finale video below.
Llenuel Fro showed possibly my favorite collection of the week. From lasercut details to a flurry of tulle amid perfect draping, his couture collection was fit for a powerful queen. Check out the amazing finale video below.
Day Three: Island Hotel, Newport Beach
The perfect spot to showcase resort wear, the Island Hotel's garden atrium provided a lovely backdrop on this warm Summer night.
Designer Aida Novosel Savic is also a painter, and it was apparent with her artistry displayed on the backs of the button downs of her Menswear collection.
Intricate beading and a variety of breathtaking silhouettes were on display in Jacky Tai's bridal collection. You're sure to spot a gown you love in the finale video below.
Cover-ups in a vast array of flattering styles were on display in Si Mee Collection's presentation. At the end of the runway show, the ladies of One Strut Models put on an amazing surprise dance performance to Kanye West's "Fade" and the audience went wild! It was super fun to experience. Check out a peek of it in the video below.
Day Four: Seven-Degrees, Laguna Beach
Seven Degrees is always such a fun event venue and feels like a party and fashion show all in one!
Berenice Gonzalez showed a collection full of gorgeous Spanish influences, from bolero jackets to bullfighting-esque capes to flamenco flounce skirts. Watch the fabulous finale below.
Egypt Ufele is an amazingly inspiring 11-year old girl (yes, eleven!) who was drawn to design her own clothing when she was bullied. She has since been featured everywhere- from Teen Vogue to the Today Show, and it was so special to get to see her beautiful work in person.
Japanese designer Masaki Matsuka specializes in a very special polyester fabric that is one size fits all wrinkle free. Not only are the creations unique and flattering, but they are easy to wear and travel with, too!
Epitomizing relaxed Orange County street style, SPF Addict showed their chic fashions that are also made with special SPF 50 fabric so that you can look good while still protecting your skin.
With such a variety of style shown at Orange County Fashion Week, these designers and their newest collections have fashionistas covered from day to night! Which collections were your favorite?
The Cannes Film Festival is as well known for it's captivating movies as it is for the fabulous fashion. Throughout this past week, international stars broke out the couture for premieres and photocalls, but one in particular got it just right each time she stepped out. Though only 19 years old, Elle Fanning is quickly positioning herself as a style star.
She chose a custom Rodarte dress inspired by Degas ballerinas to the "The Beguiled" premiere. The lavender tulle confection was balanced perfectly by her hair accessory: a long black ribbon tying up her bun.
At the "How To Talk To Girls At Parties" premiere, she donned a Gucci dress modified from the Fall 2017 runway. With it's pale green color, deep halter, metallic leaves, and floor-sweeping floral embellishments, the retro glam look was kept youthful with natural hair and makeup.
Turning heads at the Opening Gala, Fanning wore a custom Vivienne Westwood gown that she collaborated with the designer on. Boasting an abstract unicorn motif and the regal corset structure that Westwood is known for, the look was gorgeous and unique.
Encapsulating the fashion fantasy of Cannes, Elle Fanning ruled the red carpet at Cannes 2017. What were your favorite looks from the French Riviera's famous film festival?
The first Monday in May is reserved- in the fashion world- for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Gala fundraiser. More commonly known as the Met Ball, an annual theme is chosen by the co-chairs and celebrated with a night of haute couture. This year's theme was centered on a specific designer (which rarely happens): Rei Kawakubo, the founder of Comme des Garçons. Known for her avant garde and unconventional creations, it was interesting to see how celebrities incorporated (or steered clear of) the theme. Here are my best-dressed from the red carpet.
As one of Karl Lagerfeld's muses, Lily-Rose Depp was bound to wear Chanel. Her look was flawless, and the shocking pink color and wrapped rose branch embellishment made this elegant gown stand out.
Lily Aldridge was showstopping in a Ralph Lauren cutout gown. What really made her look chic were the accessories: red Balenciaga pant-boots and sheer pink veil made by her hairstylist Bryce Scarlett.
Rihanna was one of the very few celebrities who wore one of Rei Kawakubo's designs. For this reason alone she gets major points from me, since paying homage to the theme is central to the Met's history. As someone who can seemingly pull off almost any fashion risk, she chose a piece from the Fall 2016 collection that brought attention to the intricacies and art of haute couture.
Going in a different direction, Ralph Lauren's simple but chic low-cut red gown looked fabulous on Rose Byrne, whose red curly hair gave it a retro vibe.
Speaking of hair, Zendaya's teased-out, long afro gave her look a gorgeous ethereal feel. The voluminous and printed Dolce & Gabbana dress didn't overpower her. When a celebrity can wear this look and not let the look wear her, you know she is one to watch on the red carpet.
Wearability aside, it's always inspiring to look to the Met's red carpet for over the top looks and aesthetics that push the boundaries of fashion. As Rei Kawakubo said, "for something to be beautiful, it does not have to be pretty". Who were your favorites from this year's Gala?
ShopMKC (the multi-line retailer with brands in apparel, shoes, accessories and cosmetics) held a fashion show in Orange County to benefit the amazing Boys Hope Girls Hope nonprofit. This organization helps children in need to meet their full potential by providing homes, opportunities and education through college. The bustling event featured a runway show highlighting the many fashions you can find on ShopMKC's site. I noticed a major trend of these collections was the cutout.
The print on this Prey Swim bathing suit is fantastic! This line is designed by Audrina Patridge.
Here it is in a gorgeous bronze metallic color. It's even reversible!
The final look of the Prey Swim collection was modeled by the designer's own sister, Casey Loza.
This hot pink minidress by Naven was made even more fun with chic cutouts.
This blue one-shoulder dress had a modern feel with the side cutout.
The midi length of this dress was chic, paired with the side slit and architectural cutouts.
From flirty to feminine, cutouts can give any look that little something extra - and they don't always have to expose a lot of skin!
Anne Fontaine's French fashion house began in 1994 based around the idea of the white blouse as the key to womenswear. Over the years it has evolved into a line of iconic ready to wear collections. I attended her Spring/Summer 2017 runway show and the vibe was simply chic. Almost entirely in black and white with pops of red and navy, this collection was full of elevated essentials.
The shortened bell sleeves on this coat were highlighted by the lace shirt peeking out from underneath.
The chic stripes on this dress are so flattering and reminiscent of classic Breton Stripe so closely associated with Parisian style.
This nod to menswear was balanced with slim tailored pants.
This pleated dress had such a cool surprise when the model turned to reveal this is actually a red sheath with sheer overlay. So chic.
Loose cropped trousers were beautifully paired with a sexy sheer lace top.
An off the shoulder blouse was paired with a gorgeous flowing printed skirt and flattering corset-style belt. The movement on this skirt was lovely. Check out the slo-mo, above!
This high-low hem dress with cutout sleeves is so chic the designer herself even wore this look to the show!
The cutout detail on this blouse is so striking. It was paired with a pleated leather skirt for a bit of romantic-edge.
Tiers of semi-sheer ruffles on the finale gown were met at the high neckline with floral palliates, offering no need for accessories with this stunner.
The designer takes her finale bow.
As you can see from this collection (the finale video is above), black and white is anything but boring! Her ability to take of-the-moment trends and transform their elements into timeless pieces is incredible. The ever-elusive French-girl aesthetic is attainable in Anne Fontaine's easy separates.
This past Sunday, I had the honor of attending the Roberto Cavalli fashion show benefiting En Plein Air, a foundation providing laser scar removal for patients with traumatic and surgical scars.
The beautiful Monarch Beach Resort was the backdrop for equally gorgeous clothes.
Roberto Cavalli's Spring/Summer 2017 Collection has stuck with me since it first debuted on the runway of Milan Fashion Week last September (I featured it in this post). The inspiration behind this collection was a pioneer with a rock and roll heartbeat. The bohemian luxe feel of this collection strikes the perfect chord. Here are just a few of my many favorite looks.
The show opened with a bang- featuring model Maryela Pinkston in a striped crop top and pants with matching lace-up details. The double-flare of the sleeves and bell-bottoms created a cool silhouette.
The sophisticated shape of this minidress sheath with arm slits was balanced by floral embroidery and styled with chunky platform boots.
The detail on this fringed ombre poncho was incredible- take a look at the slo-mo, above!
This multicolored coat is definitely a hero piece of the collection and on every fashionista's wish list!
Sexy embellished pantsuits paired with sequin scarves are standout separates that you can wear on their own paired with something more simple, or together for a total Hendrix/Elvis babe vibe.
There is no shortage of glam evening dresses in this collection either. This one was a lesson in artisanship: it is adorned with shells, beads, boning, feathers and sequins over the sheer base.
This vintage-inspired dress had a totally modern cut, making it sexy and romantic all at once. Just look at the movement of it in the video, above!
This elegant, red carpet-ready dress is gilded with beadwork creating the most incredible designs throughout the gown.
It's such a feat to create a collection so dedicated to the patchwork of textiles yet with such incredible movement. Take a look at the finale video above!
This collection truly is a testament to "the Art of the Mix" and what better things to mix than fantastic fashion and a cool cause? To learn more about En Plein Air or to support this foundation, visit https://enpleinairlaser.org/.
