ROYAL COUTURE.....Pippa Middleton Wedding: Wedding Gown, Best Dressed & "Uh Oh" Guests!

ROYAL COUTURE.....Pippa Middleton Wedding: Wedding Gown, Best Dressed & "Uh Oh" Guests!

 Wedding Gorgeous: Pippa Middleton and James Matthews smile after their wedding--St. Marks Church Englefield England

Pippa Middleton--the sister of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, married hedge fund manager and former professional racing driver, James Matthews on Saturday at a glorious wedding fitting a royal--or "Royal Adjacent". Pippa might not really be a royal but because of her very close approximation to one, I am placing her--and her wedding--in this Royal Couture blog. So let's discuss the wedding and more importantly, the Wedding Couture beginning with Pippa's wedding dress and then some of the guests...



The Dress:

Pippa Gown: Pippa Middleton chose a "Princess"/A-line shaped ballgown style for her wedding day. The handmade gown of lace and pearls was designed by British designer Giles Deacon. The dress was done in a manner that would not show any seams--by overlapping the lace--by hand--meticulously over the many seams that are in a gown of this silhouette. The dress featured a full ballgown skirt shape and UBER fitted drop-waist torso/bustier. It also had a high neckline, drop shoulder sleeve detail and heart-shaped semi-open back.

 British designer Giles Deacon

Giles Deacon Couture Fall/Winter 2016, modeled by model Anna Cleveland, daughter of famed 70's Supermodel Pat Cleveland 

Giles is said to have put on hold all his fashion business for the last few months to concentrate on Pippa's one-of-a-kind gown. His most recent "Couture" collection was for Fall/Winter 2016 and it showed glorious, billowing handmade gowns with exquisite applique detail. Pippa's wedding dress would probably cost in the realm of $75,000-$100,000, at least that would be the going price for an actual Haute Couture gown from the likes of Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad, Chanel or Dior. No news if she possibly got a "discount" for all the press he would receive.



The Veil:

The veil--of tulle and pearls--was done by famed milliner Stephen Jones.

Sister Fixing: Pippa's sister, Catherine the Duchess of Cambridge, was seen fixing Pippa's tulle-and-pearl veil as she was about to enter the church ceremony, just making sure that it was perfect

Shape Similar: Pippa's lace and pearl wedding gown was similar in shape to the iconic Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton wedding dress worn by her sister Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge

Sealed with a Kiss: Pippa Middleton and James Matthews as they emerge from their church wedding ceremony with their "Flower girls and boys", including William and Kate's children Prince George (second from right) and Princess Charlotte--St. Marks Church, Englefield England

Page Boys and Girls:

Stylish George: Prince George (center), giving a "look" to the photographers--and looking very much like his father when William was his age. Prince George looked super cute in a white Peter Pan collared shirt with mini pintucks and emerald green silk shantung knickers.

Royal Style:

Mommie Kate: Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge looked chic and wedding appropriate in a dusty rose/light salmon colored silk crepe dress from Alexander McQueen by Sarah Burton. Her dress was a lady-like tea-length and featured a v-neckline, gathered Bishop sleeves, fitted midriff and pleated front skirt details. Her daughter Princess Charlotte looked ADORABLE in her gathered flower girl dress, with fresh flower headdress and pink cummerbund.

I have to say that Catherine looked very "Wallis Simpson Duchess of Windsor"-like in this 30's-like dress.

Dapper Brothers: Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and his brother Prince Harry in their tailcoat/morning coat ensembles. 

Guests:

Princess Eugenie, daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah, Duchess of York--(seen here with her boyfriend Jack Brooksbank) wore this navy blue A-line shaped knee-length dress from French designer Paule Ka. The cotton dress features a "split-shoulder" neckline and retails for $1,014 HERE. For Pippa's wedding she decided to "play it safe" as opposed to her head-turning look at Kate's wedding.

Vanilla Yellow Donna: British actress--and aspiring fashion designer--Donna Air (who is on-off girlfriend to Pippa's hottie bearded brother James for the last four years)--attended the wedding in this lemon yellow/cream coat-dress from UK designer Emilia Wickstead Spring/Summer 2017 collection. Lots of fashion-watchers criticized her for saying that she should not have worn WHITE (a No-No as a wedding guest) but I have to disagree with these wanna-be-fashion experts...this coat-dress is NOT white and in fact more of a "vanilla yellow"-like color. I liked it! It was demure, elegant and lady-like. I also loved the matching hat and those fabulous ankle strapped pumps. The magenta colored clutch added a respite from all the vanilla/lemon yellow. Did I mention that this WAS NOT WHITE. OK. Thank you.

Tartan: A couple of male guests opted for tartan pants as part of their tailcoat ensembles. And I say "Go On Boys!". Love the tartan, love the statement and even though, yes, I know as a guest of a wedding, it really isn't about you but...I love when (especially) male guests GIVE YOU FASHION!

Flower Prints and Hats: These two guests stood out for their Wedding Fab printed dresses, perfect for a Spring/Summer wedding. I love the canary yellow flower printed dress on the left as well as the blue one on the right. Both looks are great examples of chic Wedding Guest Style, especially for a May wedding. If I had to chose my favorite of the two, it would be the blue; the waist-tie shirt dress style was elegant, fun and I loved the feminine ruffle details.

Fab Dressed: These two guests get my Wedding Guest Best Dressed points--the left one, for that fab pheasant feather-topped hat and blue-and-white ensemble as well as those navy-and-white pumps. I also loved the guest on the right in the pink pleated silk dress with Bishop sleeves and delicately appliqued detail. The gold pumps were a super chic addition.

Uh No Part One: Two female wedding guests that were not on my Best Dressed List were these printed ladies. Now, there's a way to do printed dresses for a wedding (scroll above) and this is a way to not do it. The guest on the left wore this drab Autumn-like printed dress that not only, looked dowdy but also said "I'm not happy at this wedding". And then, somehow, in the middle of May, the guest on the right thought it was fine to bring out her gray fur chubby/mini coat. All I can say is #GURL ! But kids, these two weren't the only ones who went Wedding Koo Koo Couture...

Happy Hands At Home Dress and Lifesaver Fruit Dress Guest: Well, look what we have here--the guest on the left looks as if she took her old Laura Ashley 80's bed sheet or window drapes and felt fine in making a dress out of it. And then, in addition, decided an iridescent organza shawl would make a fine accessory. Speaking of accessories, what in the name of the FASHION GODS are those putrid brown shoes??? Let's move on to the guest on the right--I give this woman points for being "sassy" in this colorful striped ensemble. And the big hat screams "I'm a good friend of the Gays" and I will bet a couple of British pounds that she's a hoot at the open bar, but...this is just too 1992 for me. Especially those "Lifesaver Fruit Flavor"-like buttons.



Oh well, at least, I can still go back to this gorgeous dress:

Congratulations to the Happy Couple--Pippa Middleton and James Matthews!

The Dress That Had Me At Hello

The Dress That Had Me At Hello

Dress: Three Floor Fashion c/o, Heels: Russell & Bromley, Arm Bangle: Feather & Stone c/o, Bracelets: Nadia Rabosio, Rings: Freedom @ Topshop

If this Three Floor dress could talk (no doubt in the most fabulous raspy, upper East Side New York-en lilt) it would have had me, for sure, at hello. 

I wore this look to our friends' wedding this past weekend, and had the most fun. A stellar dress will do that for you. 

Read on for more pics, and my notes on wedding guest dressing . . . 

Notes on styling: By the end of the Summer I will have been to five weddings this year - the most I have ever been to! I know you guys are smart, and so what I'm about to say will no doubt already be ingrained in your wardrobe psyche, however I feel it's worth repeating: you're comfort at the wedding is paramount, do not sacrifice it for your outfit! Bring a coat, wear comfortable shoes, and an ensemble you can eat in. 

When it comes to clothing, a flattering cut is my go-to for confidence. Be that a great pair of trousers and a structured top, or a fit n' flare dress . . . with room for wedding cake! 

Colour is an easy cheat to looking your best; think of the hue which people most compliment you in and search for a great look in that colour. I love pink, and will have worn it to three of the five weddings this year, I always feel great in it and so it's an easy option for me. For you, a fabulous jade green may be your perfect colour, or cobalt blue, or orange . . . experiment until you find a hue which makes your eyes sparkle, skin glow and you smile! If you find yourself lost in a pile of options, take a photo in your mirror of each, including shoes and accessories, and compare your looks once you've had some time to step away and get some perspective. Ultimately, it comes back to my first point, whatever you feel most comfortable in, you'll look your most fabulous!

Nails: Emma @ Boom Nails 

 

What is your favourite wedding guest outfit? Are you guys heading to any occasions soon? Can you share your failsafe tip for feeling fabulous?

Love, 

MB x 

Project Runway Season 10 Recaps: Episode 1 "A Tenth Anniversary Fashion Party"

Project Runway Season 10 Recaps: Episode 1 "A Tenth Anniversary Fashion Party"

Happy 10th Anniversary Project Runway!



What do the Teletubbies:

Dumpster Diving:



And Mosquito Netting:





 Have In Common with Project Runway?  Well, read on kids...

This past Thursday night was the PREMIERE of Season 10 of Project Runway on Lifetime. Yes, kids, it's the Tenth Anniversary. The show began in 2004 so it's actually been only 8 years but TEN SEASONS. I was part of Season 2, which we shot in the Summer of 2005 and debuted in December of that year. So, in case you're countin', I am part of "Vintage Project Runway". Now, back to the new season, the show has a new set of sixteen designers; lots of talent and LOTS of "characters" and a BIG Flashy First Challenge Runway Show (The BIGGEST in Project Runway history!!) that took place in Times Square. For many, many seasons now, I've had the honor of being asked to Recap the Episodes of my "little ol' show" and once again, I'm back at it!! Hope you guys enjoy Season 10 and yes, also enjoy my Recaps with a "Nick twist".



So...let's get to the Haute and Not-So-Haute of Episode One of Season 10:

 

The Judges: (left to right) Costume Designer/Stylist Patricia Field, actress Lauren Graham, Marie Clair Fashion Director Nina Garcia, Michael Kors and Heidi Klum--For the first Challenge, the producers brought in actress Lauren Graham and the first ever Project Runway "Guest Judge", Patricia Field. She was a hoot with her throaty I-smoke-two-packs-of-Marlboro-Reds-a-day voice, great insight and at 71 years old (yes, SEVENTY ONE kids, Thanks Wikipedia!), dresses like a woman who's 29--and looks good! (No Oscar de la Renta Barbara Walters suits for her, thank you very much!).



The Teletubbies Connection:

Domo arigato: For the first episode challenge, the designers had to bring one look from home that best exemplified their design aesthetic. Once at Parsons--on the show--they then had to create a "companion look" with only $100 and one day. One of the designers--and more "Kooky" characters of the season, Kooan Kosuke (above) from Japan, made these two looks above.

Kooky: His first look from home, included this jumper with oversized teal blue polka dot applique, laminated shoulder strap detail and printed long sleeve top. I thought it was kinda fun and quirky. He definitely had a point of view and his style--even in just one look, reminded me a lot of Spanish fashion designer Agatha Ruiz de la Prada (her fried egg dress with baguette hat design on the right photo above).

Tubbie: However, for his second made-at-Parsons look, judge Michael Kors criticized it as being a little too Teletubbies-esque in its shape. He's right. Kooan was also criticized by Nina Garcia and Kors as well for possibly being too much of a "Character" and less of a Designer per se. We'll see how serious he is and if he'll annoy Miss Nina more throughout the season with his "Harajuku JapFro" antics. I have a feeling, however that the fans--and viewers of the show--will just LOOOOVE him!



The Freegan Hipster:

What's for Breakfast: A First for Project Runway is the fact that one of the designers, a 29-year-old bearded chap, originally from Brazil, named Fabio Costa, is a FREEGAN. I didn't even know what that even meant until A) he described it and B) I looked it up (Thanks Wiki again!). In case you don't know, a Freegan is someone who "reclaims and eats food that has been discarded". Yep, you go "Dumpster Diving' for your daily meals. I wonder how difficult it was for him to eat from what the P.A.'s got for the designers every day during their filming from nearby restaurants. Or did he specifically instruct the producers that they had to send someone out Dumpster Diving for his breakfast, lunch and dinner? I wanna know.




So now, let's get to who ended up on the Top and the Bottom of the first challenge:



The Top:

South American Pleating and Folding: Project Runway Season 10 contestant Ven Budhu (left) with his designs and a design by Angel Sanchez on Miss World 1995 Jacqueline Aquilera of Venezuela

The designers on top in the first episode were Guyana-born Ven Budhu (left) who showed two stunning looks included an ivory crepe palazzo pant and jacket ensemble with a folded-and-draped "Flower" bustier and a bubblegum pink high neck sleeveless dress with diagonal pleats.His designs remind me of another South American designer, famous for designing for Miss Venezuelas, Miss Worlds and Miss Universes--as well as beautiful wedding gowns--Angel Sanchez. To me, Ven should have won this first challenge. However...

Pretty Gown, Wonky LBD: The winner was Christopher Palu. The judges "Oohed" and "Ahhed" at his first look--a gown constructed in strips of satin. And basically they gave him the win because of it. It was very pretty, but I'm not sure how fair this was since this was the look he brought from home and did not make at Parsons with a limited budget and time. Personally, I wasn't a fan of the LBD he did for his second companion look. The fit was wonky and the back zipper was buckling (see right photo above). It was a little amateur hour for me. But he won, nonetheless.



The Bottom:

Mosquito Netting Prom Girl Goes Shopping: The bottom two included the looks from designer Lantie Foster. She "re-worked" vintage-like fabrics but achieving results that the judges did not like. In fact, Miss Nina (never one to hold back) said that the one dress above was "Horrible". Ouch. Miss Lantie likes to do these center front bib things that well, she shouldn't be doing. And then on top of it she makes this dress in a muddy-colored tulle that looked like mosquito netting as Kors pointed out. It was all wrong, poor thing (and I didn't even begin to talk about WHY OH WHY did she style it with a big ol' I'm-going-shopping-on-a-Sunday-at-2pm bag!!??). Hashtag Styling Fail.

Knit Girl Bye-Bye: But deemed the worst were the knit designs from oh-so-pretty Beatrice Guapo (she should be an anchor--or at least the weather girl for Good Day LA Fox Morning Show--if the designing thing fails). She had trouble throughout this challenge with her sewing which I just didn't understand being that she grew up in the industry. And then her final designs were called sad (they were). That maroon/terracotta-colored top on the left photo looked as if she just got some fabric remnant and slopped it on the model and tied it with a belt. It had little design quality or originality. During the show, Guapo said that she loves designing/making scarves. She should probably stick to that.




Anyhow, without further ado, here's my Recap of the 1st Episode for MyLifetime.com:

"A Tenth Anniversary Fashion Party"

Eight Years, Ten Seasons

Happy 10th Anniversary "Project Runway"! As a member of the "Runway
Club" (it's like the Mickey Mouse Club, but more fashionable), it's not
surprising that the show has survived this long. Back in 2005, when I
did Season 2, I knew that I was going to be part of something that was
iconic in TV History. The show premiered almost 8 years ago and well, as
we now know, it has become the "Grand-Daddy" of all Fashion Reality
Competition Shows. In fact, last week, while on a trip to Mykonos,
Greece, I was switching channels and stumbled on Greek TV and guess what
was on my hotel TV? Season 6 of "Project Runway"! In Greece! Say no
more. 2012 marks the Tenth Season of the show and last night's premiere
was a doozy so let's get to the Recap'ing shall we.



Center of the Universe Fashion Bang

It is quickly revealed that the first challenge and runway show is
taking place in the HEART of NYC, "Center of the Universe": Times
Square, for the first time EVAH! Models are under a tent squeezing into
their clothes; designers are putting the last minute touches on their
garments and the Stars of the show — Heidi, Tim, Nina and Michael — are
greeting the crowd with a Champagne toast. Cut to the previous day...



The Who, What and Where Are You From

Since Season 3, I have had the privilege to judge the castings and
this past Spring, I took part in the LA Castings for Season 10. I,
obviously, had no idea who would make the Final 16, so it was with great
delight to see several of the designers I saw during those castings,
actually make it onto the show. This included Elena (Miss Futuristic
Thierry Mugler-meets-Claude Montana-meets Lady Gaga), the lovely
Beatrice "jersey knit" and blonde-haired Melissa, who loves black and
edgy.



Click HERE to read the rest...



And make sure to let me know YOUR thoughts!! I always LOVE reading them!!! 

5 Trends To Embrace In 2018

5 Trends To Embrace In 2018

Set your sights on the new season? Up your game with Vogue's edit of trends for 2018. We're talking ugly shoes (it's a thing!), the fresh model face to know, and the unlikely return of cycling shorts... all beautifully illustrated by fashion's favourite illustrator, Tanya Ling.

Short Order

Cycling shorts are back, requisitioned from the Eighties aerobics studio. Well, only if they’re beautifully rendered in lace, as seen at Saint Laurent, where they were worn underneath a voluminous ball gown, or Nina Ricci, where they underscored tassel-heavy shirts. Time to tone up those thighs.

Radical Transparency

The style cognoscenti don't waste time with handbag clutter. Streamline your daily haul and upgrade your wallet: with plastic as a key catwalk trend at Valentino (seen here, with a studded purse interior), Chanel and Céline, your entirely see-through handbag should only reveal a neatly curated interior.

The Cardigan Fling

Any summer wedding guest can throw a cardigan over their dress - it’s those who are fastening them at the throat with a bejewelled brooch, arms left trailing (à la Erdem) that are winning right now.

Pretty In Porcelain

You're never too old to play with porcelain: a raspberry chain of embroidered dolls on white cotton at Simone Rocha, inspired by her collection of childhood toys, is the new-season update on florals. If that feels a little girly, try chintzy feet: Mulberry's sleek ankle boots come with a bone china heel fit for a country house dresser.

Fresh Face: Fran Summers

We love the lissom Yorkshire teen Fran Summers, who stormed spring at Saint Laurent, Miu Miu, Louis Vuitton and Céline in her debut season. Her agent signed her up on the premise that she reminded him of a young Natalie Portman, playing child assassin Mathilda in Léon. True to form, she's killing it.