Haute Holiness: Met Gala 2018

It's the first Monday in May, meaning the fashion world is celebrating the Metropolitan Museum of Art's newest Costume Institute exhibit with the annual Met Gala! This year's theme is "Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination". Examining the ways in which designers have been influenced by religious aesthetics, the red carpet lived up to it's billing as the most incredible fashion event of the year. Celebrities worked with designers to really dive into this subject, and the result was superb in the various nuanced and gorgeous looks. Here are a few standout ladies and gentleman who took the theme and proved that fashion and religion can be a match made in heaven!

Bake Lively's beaded Versace gown took over 600 hours to create and it showed. With it's unexpected sheer leggings, jewel tones, and impeccably fitted corset, she looked every inch of renaissance royalty.

Dior's gothic glam dress from the Spring/Summer 2018 collection was a great choice for Cara Delevigne. Open birdcage paneling on top of a sheer bodysuit suggests a confessional situation. The curtain-like drops from her crown headpiece add to the mysterious feel of the look.

Once again, Rihanna proves she is the red carpet couture queen in this intricately embellished Maison Martin Margiela look. She makes the edgy and ornate layering of a mini dress, over skirt and off the shoulder jacket look effortless, all while balancing the perfect finishing touch: her glittering mitre.

Donald Glover wore a custom Gucci one-button tuxedo in mauve with grosgrain details and a ruffle pleated evening shirt. Still riding the wave of his powerful new song and video for "This Is America",   he is no stranger to both in-your-face and subtle messaging when it comes to aesthetics. The back of his jacket featured the Eye of Providence in gold embroidery, a clever nod to the symbolism of divine presence that also happens to appear on the back of money, and which some associate with looking similar to the illuminati icon.

Jared Leto is a longtime muse of Gucci designer Allesandro Michele, and is often in head to toe ensembles from the house. Naturally, they took this opportunity to capitalize on his already Jesus-like looks! Adding a gold leaf crown and embroidered sash to his pale blue wide-lapeled suit, they mixed retro, modern and byzantine vibes to a cool effect.

Chadwick Boseman has been showing the men how it's done on the red carpet all year, and the Met Gala was no different. He pulled no punches in ivory Versace, complete with a cape inspired by religious robes, cross details, and a tasseled chest chain.

The time, research and collaboration of these celebrities and their designers resulted in some truly memorable looks. Drawing on iconic imagery and pushing creativity to it's limits really paid off on this red carpet. That's the kind of haute holiness that happens when stars fully embrace and embody the Met Gala theme!

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Orange County Fashion Week: For The Fellas

Orange County Fashion Week was once again a busy week packed with both emerging and established designers from around the globe. This season, the choice to feature menswear on Cruise Collection night made a big impact. During a sunset cruise aboard the gorgeous Eternity Yacht, attendees of this exclusive event were treated to a runway show by B.Spoke. CEO and Founder Dave Welch makes high end, made-to-measure suits and sportswear. Making this even more special were the models: many of whom are associates & clients of B.Spoke, showing off their own immaculate style and strengthening those SoCal ties.

In speaking to other attendees, it was apparent that all were impressed by the quality and style of B.Spoke's clothing. I repeatedly heard how it inspired the male attendees to add color, pattern or new silhouettes to their wardrobe. B.Spoke's show was clearly a highlight of this season's collections and hopefully we will see more menswear featured on the OC Fashion Week runways.

Trousers that are cropped in length allow you to show off a gorgeous pair of shoes, like these loafers.

Prints on the interior lining of jackets added flair and finesse.

Pocket squares look fresh when they help tie in the color of the pants.

A leather jacket was paired with white pants for a downtown chic look.

Proving that it's all in the details: these pants featured a skull print that perfectly coordinated with his skull lapel pin.

The classic three-piece suit looks sophisticated in plaid.

This gorgeous jacket had a monochrome print that added subtle texture and uniqueness.

A plaid jacket in a fun color adds instant style cred to an outfit.

Black and brown can go together beautifully, as proven here.

A pop of color goes a long way to add distinction to a look.

B.Spoke's OC Fashion Week Finale Walk

I would definitely encourage men who may not ordinarily venture outside of their fashion "box" to try something new! Either visit a custom clothier like B.Spoke or just mix it up by playing with patterns, prints, and even pants lengths. After all, fashion fun is for the fellas too!

Oscars 2018: White Done Right

The prevailing trend at the Academy Awards was white hot. A white dress is such a statement and the Oscars is a perfect occasion to command all eyes. You couldn't miss the pops of white gowns dotting the red carpet, and each of these stars shone in her own way.

Jane Fonda further cemented her icon status in this elegant Balmain gown with a modern neckline.

Camila Alves chose a beautiful layered Vivienne Westwood gown in support of the Red Carpet Green Dress initiative. The dress was made of archival silk that is ethically and sustainably crafted.

Laura Dern's Calvin Klein dress had pleating on one shoulder that added a touch of angelic romance to the simple silhouette.

Margot Robbie collaborated with Chanel on the design of her dress which was inspired by It-Girls of the 90's. The beaded, off-shoulder straps added a surprisingly chic element.

Versace created a custom look for Mary J. Blige, and the result featured a shimmering pearl bodice and lovely draped skirt.

These looks highlight how showstopping an all-white ensemble can be. By utilizing varying textures, new silhouettes and unexpected design elements, a white dress is definitely one to choose when a black-tie affair calls for stunning style.

Tread Whitely: New York Fashion Week Fall '18 Trend Report

More often than not, the trends spotted on the New York Fashion Week runways are tied to a particular color, pattern, textile or silhouette. For the Fall 2018 collections, the style focus was on a specific kind of footwear: white boots. The very elements that make this choice seem risky or even unrealistic are the same ones that make it work! The fresh white color serves as a chic addition to any ensemble, regardless of your style. Here's a look at some of the many designers who put their best foot forward in this trend.

At Derek Lam, white boots are headed to the boardroom in a look that shows they can be classic when paired with pinstripes.

Dion Lee's monochromatic look uses texture variations and a new silhouette to switch up your Winter whites.

White French cuffs and white laced boots are the key to chic at Jonathan Simkhai.

Walking the glam rock line, Prabal Gurung paired white ankle boots with a sparkling sequinned purple gown.

Taking inspiration from black cowboys of the 19th century, Pyer Moss explored western themes in his first co-ed collection. Collaborating with Reebok, he showed an already highly coveted line of footwear to include white boots with red platforms.

Crisp white booties with sharp lines and a power plaid were on deck at Self-Portrait.

White boots helped create a modern effect when paired with Fall's jewel tones in relaxed silhouettes at Tibi.

Romantic and whimsical, white boots anchored the feminine styles of Tory Burch.

Zadig & Voltaire showed that when met with sexy white pants, white buckled boots are a force to be reckoned with.

Zimmerman's collection was an unbridled Western dream, featuring breezy dresses and white boots fit for riding or romancing.

Calvin Klein sent Kaia Gerber down the runway in an over-the-knee version that might seem just over the top, but OTK white boots can definitely be rocked with confidence to take your look to the next level.

The best thing about this trend is that you can start wearing it now. While the NYFW runways proved that white boots work for Fall, they do seem like a more obvious choice for Winter & Spring. Try incorporating these chic boots into your wardrobe now and you will be a step ahead of the (shoe) game.

Grammys 2018 Fashion Recap: Pants & Petals

The music industry joined Hollywood's show of support for #TimesUp against sexual misconduct and gender inequality by wearing white roses at the Grammys. And in lieu of the black gown blackout at the Golden Globes, the recording industry's brightest had pants trending on the red carpet. These women proved that you don't need a dress to make a sartorial statement. Let's take a look at how some of the stars made pants & petals work together.

Eve looked impeccable in a shimmering Naeem Khan suit and diamond choker by Chopard.

Lady Gaga brought the drama in an Armani Privé lace catsuit with a wrap skirt featuring a sweeping train.

Anna Kendrick balanced masculine and feminine by pairing a houndstooth-checked Balmain suit with a sexy La Perla bustier and sky high pink pumps.

Miley Cyrus made a surprisingly sleek and chic statement in a velvet jumpsuit from Jean-Paul Gaultier's Fall 2007 Couture collection.

Janelle Monáe's Dolce & Gabbana suit featured flowers embroidered up the sides like vines, and had a special nod to the #TimesUp movement with a white rose actually embellished on the lapel.

A white rose symbolizes respect, pays homage to new beginnings and expresses hope for the future. When juxtaposed with power pants, fashion truly made a statement at this year's Grammys. These looks definitely serve as inspiration for blending traditionally masculine and feminine elements to create a dynamic look. As Janelle Monáe said: "we come in peace, but we mean business."

Golden Globes 2018: Back In Black

Tonight's Golden Globe Awards marked the start of Awards Season! A new year, new nominees, and a new social and political fire in the belly of Hollywood's most influential. In light of the #MeToo Movement, hundreds of women in entertainment created #TimesUp, a detailed plan to combat disparity and sexual harassment across all industries. The Golden Globes were a perfect opportunity to spotlight this campaign via wearing black in solidarity. This fashion blackout created a parade of pure power on the red carpet.

Zoe Kravitz chose a simple yet supremely elegant Saint Laurent column dress.

Prada created Diane Kruger's layered tulle confection, featuring black Swiss dots and a cascading shawl for regal effect.

Catherine Zeta-Jones wore a long-sleeved gown with the romantic sheer and lace overlays that Zuhair Murad is known for.

One of my best dressed of the night, Kerry Washington looked chic in Prabal Gurung's strapless sequin number. The high slit showed off her edgy Roger Vivier ankle boots.

Another favorite, Dakota Johnson, chose a stunning Gucci dress featuring a shimmering black train joining the gown in a dramatic array of sparkling jewels.

Costume designer and stylist Arianne Phillips created a special #TimesUp pin for nominees and male presenters as well.

In retrospect (and in the spirit of New Years reflections), 2017 was all about speaking up in fashion, with the rise of trends like statement tees; while 2018 is focused on putting everything into action. The hashtag shift even reflects this notion: #MeToo (gaining a voice) and #TimesUp (ending the injustices). What a moving way for Hollywood to organize using fashion to shed light on this important initiative.

Emmys 2017: Ethereal Elegance

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?