Ruffles and Poufs: Joan Collins, John Forsythe and Linda Evans, "Dynasty" TV Show, Costume Designer Nolan Miller
Last Wednesday June 6th, American fashion designer and television costume designer Nolan Miller passed away, at the age of 79. Miller had been ill for a while and he finally succumbed to lung cancer. He was one of my first "Design Gods". As a young boy--who only DREAMED of being a Fashion Designer while looking at glossy Vogue magazines and shows like "Dynasty" back in the 80's (yes, I am aging myself and I do not care!), I was in awe of his designs and the world he created through his incomparable design eye.
Nolan Miller emphasized elegance, excess, glamour with a capital "G", and one word: DIVA. And yes, he was known for being the Emperor of the 80's Shoulder Pads. Of course, Miller is famous for being the Costume Designer for the TV Show "Dynasty" which aired from 1981-1989--spanning almost the entire decade. In case you may be "Fashion and Costume Design Illiterate", read on...and if you are a "Young UMS" born after 1990, studying to be a Fashion Designer and you do not know who Nolan Miller is, YOU BETTER!
Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere
Lanvin designs by Alber Elbaz
Every other Fashion Designer worth his Croquis Salt is referencing him--whether they want to admit it or not, such as Nicolas Ghesquiere of Balenciaga and Alber Elbaz of Lanvin (see photos above) as well as many, many others. Anyhow, here's a quick Bio on Mr. Nolan Miller:
Born in Texas, Nolan Miller studied design at the Chouinard Art Institute (now the California Art Institute). He is best known for his costume design work for the long-running TV series "Dynasty" and especially for the looks that top stars Linda Evans, Joan Collins and Diahann Carroll "featured". Miller exemplified the 80's Excess and Glamour Look.
Dynasty Divas: There were always LOTS of ruffles, lots of DRAMA, and yes, very, very STRONG SHOULDERS.
"The Colby's": Nolan Miller also designed for the "Dynasty" TV Show spinoff "The Colbys"--more shoulder pads, and more hand-beaded sequins darlings! Before he gained his "Shoulder Pad and Ruffle" TV Fame on that show as well as "Dynasty", Miller also was the Costume Designer for shows such as...
"Charlie's Angels": Butch and Feminine Detective Chic
"The Love Boat": Hello Julie McCoy and her poly-jersey gathered off-the-shoulder "Cruise Ship" Dresses!
"Fantasy Island": Resort Glam
"Gilligan's Island": Ginger's sexy va-va-boom v-neck coral-colored sequined dress was designed by Nolan Miller
Branding and Licensing King:
Blouson Pattern: During the 80's, designer Nolan Miller also created McCall's Patterns--dresses, blouses and much more featuring those very shoulder-padded and BLOUSON'ed sleeves, nipped-in waists and over-all 80's "I-Got-Money-and-You-Don't" style--all based on "Dynasty" characters played by the ever-so-chic Joan Collins and Diahann Carroll.
Nolan Miller QVC: For 19 years, Nolan Miller was on QVC showcasing his fabulous "Nolan Miller Glamour Collection for QVC" jewelry and accessories; they were beautiful, colorful, costume-and Couture inspired and well, for 19 years, they did pretty well for him and QVC. In 2011, he announced that he was retiring from QVC.
Sophia Loren: Nolan Miller (left) and actress (and DIVA) Sophia Loren, wearing a Nolan Miller red gown at the 2000 Costume Designers Guild Awards.
Sketch Fab:
Illustration Fierce: Above are several Fashion Illustrations--including ones of "Dynasty" actresses and Muses Linda Evans and Joan Collins---Nolan Miller
Mr. Miller...
You will be missed. Thank you for inspiring a very young Greek-Venezuelan boy with a Dream!
Today we are backing onto new trendies clothe's for winter by motifz . Style changes of the passage of time and mostly it depends on seasons or requirement . Motifz is well known for its great designing of Embroidered suits . Now , It brings with new collection of winter which includes dresses according to winter season & new trends . When we talk about seasonal trends , the first point come in our mind is stuff . We want to say that stuff of any dress plays an important role . Second point , Is it according to recent trends? . Majority of people picks branded or designer dresses due to reason behind that they gives chill look , people feel comfortable in it and their dresses are mostly ready to wear . Ready made dresses are best because un-stitched dresses are not well and it needs many time to be stitched . Majority of girls gos for shopping and they ever don't knows about brands and it spends to much time to pick perfect dress for seasonal and any occasion . Suggestion for you guys , whenever you go for shopping you just go to motifz outlets to pick right one . I our busy society , Time is most precious and all never waste it in common issues , So pick your nickel dress from here and get it online , It spend little time and hope your time is not wasted . Before going in detail of this collection , We must introduce "Motifz" . Usually motifz doesn'tneed any introduce to its advantages . It is famous and most popular brands of Pakistan and giving their collections for girls in various styles for party and season . It provides many collections and most of them are really liked by its fans. . This Collection has been at last introduced offering best designs and patterns of Embroidered dresses for ladies . These dazzling three piece fall suits are adorned with exceptionally wonderful and great embroidery on neck areas , sleeves and front boards alongside enchanting prints in amazing shades . An impeccable matching and differentiating of colors has made this collection quite recently out of the world . The accompanying exhibition of contains photographs of this new winter variety . Keep visiting for more dresses accumulations and design overhauls . Check this recent gathering and enjoy..! !
Embroidered Blue & Orange Color Motifz Dress
Embroidered Fancy Party wear Winter Seasonal Dresses 2015
Embroidered Party wear Pink Color and Blue Color dresses
Fancy Dresses For Winter Party wear
Hand-made Embroidery Dresses For Winter Party wear By Motifz
Orange color dresses for parties by motifz
Purple and Pink Color dress Fancy and Off-white Embroidered dress by motifz
Blue Embroidered and Cream Color Fancy dress For Parties of winter
Hey Guys ! Today with new styles and patterns we affirmed the gathering about Designer Frocks , suits & Dresses For young ladies who comprise of most current styles with bright tints of Indian and Pakistani Designer Frocks.these sorts of Suits has much request and esteem in south Asian nations which incorporate Pakistan , bangladesh and India.after distribute the few posts about anarkali Frocks we increase heaps of appeals from our significant visitors to distribute yet an alternate diverse styles of Anarkali dresses . In Previous Post we likewise showcase the weave Anarkali Suits which is enjoyed by our Blog members.the Demand and prerequisite of anarkali is higher day by day.now Collections9 stuff chose to present the Collection which incorporates anarkali frock , salwar kameez , embroidered dresses and much more . In this arrangementsthe fabric utilized for these gowns is superb , for example , silk gowns with chiffon sleeves having with colored salwar or carip dupatta.the arrangement incorporates glorious shades , for example , white white white , red , green , yellow , purple and considerably more . The Anarkali is now in its top and every last lady wishe's a la mode and lovely dresses for summer so all the fashioners are occupied in propelling and showing their accumulations for season . In past accumulations we introduced the fashioner Winter assortments for winter . In this Collection we brought Designer Anarkali Party wear Dresses . In this article we are going to examine about the latest and stunning patterns & Patterns of anarkali gowns for year 2015 . Obviously we indeed nearly all realize that when we examine identified with standard and conventional styles dresses for the women then anarkali gowns rapidly come in our mind.this Clothing identified with the past era . In Past period the they are not prominent on account of their shabby styles yet now it is coming in different wonderful styles and Designs so because of this reason there are numerous women who need slick and shocking anarkali clothe's.these Frocks are ideal for weddings parties , Eid and formal parties . In this Collection we additionally exhibited the popular pictures of anarkali frocks . You will match up the anarkali dresses alongside churidar pajamas , tights and trousers.these dresses are precisely made with stone work , motifs and string work . If you need to purchase any dress from this Collection will buy from the authority site of Cbazaar (www.cbazaar.com) Remember you just request online.the pictures are underneath ! these pictures help you to choose one of the best as you desires.for More form overhauls Keep Visiting Collections9 That's makes diverse .
It's officially the start of International Beauty Pageant Season!!! To begin all the Sashes and Tiaras fabulousness is the Miss Grand International 2017 beauty pageant which is occurring in Vietnam with the Final Crowning Night taking place on October 25th. A couple of nights ago were the much-awaited Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition. The 77 contestants--from all over the world--from Argentina to Wales--showcased costumes representing their nations, islands and territories...
Fantasy Fab: (L to R) Miss Grand Indonesia Dea Goesti Rizkita, Miss Grand India Anukriti Gusain and Miss Grand Laos Chinnaly Gorasing--Miss Grand International 2017 National costume Competition
Flora and Fauna: (L to R) Miss Grand Argentina Yoana Don, Miss Grand Panama Andrea Torres and Miss Grand Peru Maria Jose Lora--Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition
These costumes ranged from Traditional and Festive, "Victoria's Secret"-like feathered Pre-Columbian Goddesses to Fantasy Couture and they did not disappoint in terms of visual costume candy for pageant lovers everywhere! The pageant organizers are allowing EVERYONE around the world to vote for their favorite by Liking and Sharing the individual photos on the Official Miss Grand International Facebook page HERE.
Traditional Couture: (L to R) Miss Grand Ecuador Analia Vernaza, Miss Grand Venezuela Tulia Aleman Ferrer, Miss Grand Vietnam Huyen May Tran Nguyen--Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition
The Top 15 Liked & Shared contestants/costumes will then move on for another round of voting until the BEST NATIONAL COSTUME (or the one with the most votes!) will be announced on the final night (October 25th). Now, I don't have to wait until then because here are MY TOP 15 Favorite National Costumes from Miss Grand International 2017, beginning with my FAVORITE:
1. Miss Grand Indonesia Dea Goesti Rizkita--One word: WOW. Leave it to Indonesia to BRING IT when it comes to national costumes at beauty pageants. Lately their representatives have been seriously upping their Costume Couture game! This UBER intricate costume needs A LOT of explanation...
Indonesian Empress: Miss Grand Indonesia 2017 National Costume
According to Miss Grand Indonesia 2017, her national costume is entitled "MOTHERLAND: The Sky is my Father, and The Earth is my Mother" and it was designed by Morphacio and Maya Ratih. This costume has the meaning of a circular shape taken from the base form of the Moon and its about the mother figure, the queen, and the woman. Here are some more details:
*The blue color depicts the glory of Indonesia as a Maritime Country.
*Five blue crystals in the circle of the moon symbolize the harmony of Indonesian people in the ideology of Pancasila.
*The three blue crystals on the headdress symbolize the perfection of body, soul, and spirit.
*Five yellow crystals depict the young generation are like buds of the nation which is the hope and successor/future of the nation...
Now THAT is a TRAIN: Miss Grand Indonesia 2017 National Costume
*The wings on the shoulders symbolize the tenderness and strength, the prayers and the songs of the ancestors.
*The backbone symbolizes Indonesia is the "backbone of the World" where Indonesia holds abundant natural wealth and Indonesia is a very influential country in the world political map.
*The wing belt symbolizes fertility and a close brotherhood. Fingers and right arm describe the wisdom, skill and soul that protect the society.
*The temple symbolizes "our bodies are temples, our bodies are His temple", as well as Indonesian people from various social and cultural backgrounds to individuals seeking self-enlightenment.
*And finally, five Nusantara fabrics illustrate the cultural diversity in Indonesia which contain the thoughts and philosophy that accompany the journey of the Indonesian people to be a whole person, as a true person.
Regardless of all this very detailed costume description...for me, it translates into THE BEST ONE of the competition! I loved how impacting it was, the colors, the unique shapes...it was a work of fashion art!
Moving on...my other Favorites in my Top 15 List are:
2. Miss Grand India Anukriti Gusain--Anukriti's gorgeous costume was my second favorite of the 76 contestants. The theme for this look was "Evolution and Expansion of Indian Royalty, from the Palace to the workplace". The national costume--designed by Melvyn Dominic Noronha--according to the contestant herself, shows the balance of an Indian woman with her delicate beauty of compassion and the strength of her determination. She goes on to say that the design also shows how through the evolution of time, the spirit of a few queens magnified and today every Indian woman is a queen in her own right. I loved how this costume combined traditional Indian dress with Hindu God-like imagery. I also thought the combination of bold gold/blue/red colors made for a very strong stage impact.
3. Miss Grand Laos Chinnaly Norasing--This national costume is inspired by the Great Golden Stupa Pha That Luang in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos. The Great Golden Stupa Pha That Luang is an ancient and important architecture of Laos, and is a center for the spirit of the Lao people. The design of the costume is a unique feature and character of the Buddha image, adapted to the composition of the ensemble. The jewelry was also inspired by the shape of the Buddha image. The color and the various embellishments added to this costume present Lao's cultures, customs and unique identity. I thought it was thoroughly impacting, very striking and made for a stand-out costume presence at the Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition. I am still so baffled how any of these costumes get packed and shipped through customs and onto a plane and then reassembled to be worn again!
Miss Grand Venezuela Tulia Aleman Ferrer (top photos) in her "Manta Guajira" National Costume and (lower photos) Wayuu Guajiras and their Mantas (caftan dresses)
4. Miss Grand Venezuela Tulia Aleman Ferrer-- Tulia's costume represents the Manta (or caftan/tunic/dress) Wayuu Guajira, a Native American ethnic group of the Guajira peninsula of northern Colombia and northwestern Venezuela. The brightly colored costume featured the designs and pom-pom accents commonly seen on these Wayuu Guajira caftan/tunics worn by the women of this South American indigenous group.
Sketch of Miss Grand Venezuela Talia Aleman Ferrer's National Costume--designed by Colombian designer/brand Aikaa by Blanca Fernandez
This was also one of my top favorites of all the 76 contestants for the way she showed it onstage and how colorful and striking it was. I also loved the representation and homage of an indigenous group through this beautiful costume. The design was created by Colombian designer/brand Aikaa by Blanca Fernanadez.
5. Miss Grand Panama Andrea Torres--Andrea wore a Pre-Columbian (before Christopher Columbus) Feathered Empress-like costume to represent her nation of Panama. And I LOVED it! There were several of these feathered-and-sequined looks in the Miss Grand International 2017 National Costumes Competition, and yet this was THE MOST IMPACTING of the bunch! The design was created by Panamanian designer Cristo Athanasiadiswho is known for these types of pageant costumes...and he's obviously very good at it! I loved the colors, the sequins, the feathers...well, I just loved EVERYTHING! Muy bien Cristo and Muy bien Andrea!
Vietnam Queen: Miss Grand Vietnam 2017 Huyen My Tran Nguyen in her Ao Dai Traditional National Costume for Miss Grand International 2017
Sketch of Miss Grand Vietnam Huyen Tran Nguyen's National Costume for Miss Grand International 2017
6. Miss Grand Vietnam Huyen My Tran Nguyen--I absolute ADORED this costume worn by Miss Grand Vietnam 2017 Huyen My Tran Nguyen. The costume represents a traditional Ao Dai and is inspired by the patterns of the Hue Imperial Citadel in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue. It took 3 months to create this gorgeous 30 kilograms (about 66 pounds!)-weighing costume and it was designed by Vietnamese designer Ngo Nhat Huy. If you get to see the video of the actual Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition (at the end of this post!), you can fast forward to when she comes on and showcases this gorgeous costume. I especially loved how the sleeve brocade print/design mitered (matched) when she put her arms/hands together.
Viva Mexico: Miss Grand Mexico Yoana Gutierrez in her National Costume at the Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition
A young Tehuana de Oaxaca in traditional dress--Oaxaca Mexico
7. Miss Grand Mexico Yoana Gutierrez--Yoana wore this very beautiful and colorful "Tehuana de Oaxaca" traditional costume, worn by the indigenous women of the city Tehuantepec in the Mexican state of Oaxaca (think Frida Kahlo). The design itself paid tribute to the traditional dress and at the same time, had enough Fashion with a Capital "F" impact and stage fabulousness to make it into my Top 15 Favorites.
8. Miss Grand Jamaica Jenaae Jackson--Jenaae stated on her Instagram that in this costume, she is a "depiction of a Jamaican Arawak Queen" and all I have to say is "Go On Girl!". I absolutely loved this costume for its colorful, feathered and sequined glory! It looked well-done, finished and high-end. I really admired the stunning jeweled sequins on her bandeau top and skirt yoke and I also liked the muted green feathered skirt. This "Arawak Queen" is UBER Costume Fabulous!
9. Miss Grand Sri Lanka Visna Fernando--Miss Grand Sri Lanka wore this golden "Lion"-inspired costume for the Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition. The costume was inspired (obviously) by the "Ceylon Lion" seen in the Sri Lankan flag. I thought it was impressive, sexy-hot and stage impacting enough to be one of my Top 15 Favorites! The headdress alone was EVERYTHING! I just wished those nude pump/heels were a little more "designed" as opposed to looking as if she went online and bought a pair of heels and just added them to the costume.
10. Miss Grand Cambodia Kea Khloem: This was another gorgeous showing from an Asian contestant at the Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition. Kea's costume was inspired by Cambodian Buddhist temples and the types of traditional dress of the country. I thought this design looked rich, well-made and the different shades of gold were very striking onstage.
11. Miss Grand Philippines Elizabeth Durado Clenci--"Last night for the national costume competition I chose to represent an indigenous tribe from the south of Philippines," Clenci wrote on her Instagram, sharing a photo of her intricately made headdress. The ensemble which she wore as her national costume for the Miss Grand International 2017 was designed by Jearson Demavivas.This dress was inspired by the T’boli tribe and is a representation of a modern T’boli princess in haute couture and their uniquely designed guitar called hegulung. Philippine’s T’boli takes pride on its T’nalak fabric which designs are spawned from the dreams of the weavers. The design of this national costume represents the cultural structure of the T’boli tribe along with the colors and intricate beadwork, which speaks of their careful yet impressive art. I thought Elizabeth looked sexy, chic and still "National Costume Diva Traditional" in this design. It wasn't out-of-this-world impacting like Miss Grand Indonesia or Miss Grand India, Miss Grand Laos...but, it was still Costume Couture Runway Fab.
12. Miss Grand Argentina Yoana Don--Yoana wore this sequined and feathered "Fantasy Showgirl"-like costume representing the city of Corrientes which is the Argentinian national capital of Carnival (Carnaval). The gorgeous costume--which ended up being one of my Top 15 Favorites--was designed and created by Marcelo Pendola who creates many of the Miss Argentina national costumes for international pageants. I LOVED the golden crystal sequined applique, the strawberry red feathers...the leg sequined accessories...it was all MUY BELLO and MUY FAB.
13. Miss Grand Peru Maria Jose Lora--The Pavo Real Blanco (white peacock) is in danger of extinction in the South American Amazon and was the inspiration for Miss Grand Peru 2017's national costume. The beautiful costume was designed by Peruvian designer Beto Pinedo. Of all the "Pre-Columbian/Victoria's Secret Feathered Divas"...this one was definitely one of my faves. Therefore, it need to be in my Top 15 List! It meshed both the bird inspiration with sexy stage presence. If there was any critique...yes, it would be the shoes., If you're going to create a gorgeous and intricate costume, create the shoes as well! Those need to be silver and sequined and fabulous. Right now, they are just $25 nude pumps from the internet!
14. Miss Grand Paraguay Lia Duarte Ashmore--Miss Grand Paraguay decided to give "Indigenous Tribal Couture/Making a Statement" Costume. The lovely Lia wore a hi-lo design which, at first glance, gave the viewer an Angelic/Runway model vibe. Then, as one got more focused, you could see the "Stop Chaco Deforestation" and "Stop the Violence" marking on her arms. The costume is inspired by the "Allegory of the Pajaro Campana", a white bird with green-hued beak and face (lower photo, above). In addition to this, the look seems to be suggesting the dangers of deforestation and this ivory tull'ed "Couture Angel" coming to save the human destruction. I thought it was impacting and thoughtful enough to make my list. It would have almost too obvious to add wings to this costume a la "Miss Grand Peru", "Miss Grand Panama", so I like this more "runway" direction.
15. Miss Grand Ecuador Analia Vernaza Daulon--Analia's costume was a traditional Ecuadorian costume designed by Maria Isabel Diaz Design . I loved the colors, the high-lo style of the dress/skirt section and overall impact of the design. If there was any critique, once again, it would be THE SHOES! The costume looked fab but the shoes seemed like an afterthought.
Those were MY TOP 15 Favorite Costumes from the Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition...Let me know which ones were YOUR favorites!
**STAY TUNED for MORE of my "Sashes and Tiaras" Pageant Blogs discussing "Miss Earth", Miss Grand International" and many more!
Until then....I'm excited to launch my NEW Pageant Coloring Book!!! It is full of FABULOUS Beauty Queens and Gowns ready to create your very own Evening Gown Competition! Purchase now on Amazon.com HERE:
Click below to watch the Miss Grand International 2017 National Costume Competition:
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