SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress" Part Two: My Choices for Good and Cray-Cray!

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress" Part Two: My Choices for Good and Cray-Cray!

Can You Guess Which The Good and Which are The Cray-Cray?--Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress" event--Miss World 2015 Sanya China

All photos courtesy of MissWorld.com

In my last post HERE, I discussed the announcement of the Top Ten (according to the Miss World Organization) Designer Dresses in the Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress" event. I was skeptical and slightly questionable of the choices so...I decided--after looking at all the designs--to give MY Top Choices that should have been there. Because it is the "Miss World" pageant and this is the "World Fashion Designer Dress" event, there's always a bit of Cray-Cray and Oh Dear! creations. So, in addition to my choices for good, I've also added some of the Cray-Cray. Let's get started:



The Good:

Honduras Gabriela Salazar: I thought this was one of the best gowns from the "World Fashion Designer Dress" event/competition. I loved the fit and the length was just right (no sight of platform heels! Yeayyy!). I also liked the sequined red criss-cross details layered over the black colored gown base. The design was impacting and gave a slight nod to the red color in China being such an important color in that nation--which is hosting this year's Miss World.

China PR Yuan Lu: Speaking of China, the host nation's representative, Yuan Lu, wore this wonderful navy blue with green sequin detail strapless mermaid style gown. I loved the draped petal-like flourish in the front and the dress was dramatic in a great red carpet way.

Venezuela Anyela Galante: Anyela wore this violet blue knit gown featuring long sleeves, a raised mock-neck and thousands of glittering sequins. The design was simple and arguably, not so directional or Haute Couture-like exciting but I loved the heavy-to-light effect of the sequins, reminding me of a midnight sky with falling stars. I also liked her slicked back hairstyling.

Philippines Hillarie Parungao: Hillarie's gown choice (just like Venezuela's) may not have been so "exciting' in terms of design but I thought it was beautiful. The pink fit-to-flare style featured silver sequined applique leaf-like scrolls as well as straight-line crystals on the diagonal throughout the body of the dress. Feminine, delicate, and very, very pretty.

South Sudan Ajaa Monchol: Ajaa looked like an actress on the Cannes Film Festival red carpet in this black chiffon with sequin applique gown. The style was elegant, had enough interest with the detail and made the over six foot tall beauty look almost regal.

Malta Katrina Pavia: I loved Katrina's one shoulder gown. How this didn't make the actual Miss World Organization's/Judge's Top ten is beyond me. It reminded me of a glorious Indian sari as well as an updated version of something we would have seen Elizabeth Taylor wear to a gala or awards show in the 60's or early 70's. The sequined embroidery looked well done.

Guam Aria Perez Thiesen: One word--WOW! One normally wouldn't expect a representative from Guam (sorry Guam!) to 'bring it" in terms of a quality gown, but they did this year! The sequined emerald dress was definitely an entrance-maker. The jeweled bead work in the front torso was very impacting as well. If I had any complaint, it would be in the over-the-top styling: the Pageant Bouffant, the Too-Mucheeey accessories/jewelry...all that was so unnecessary, especially when the gown is so "Jeweled" already. Loosen the hair, ditch the earrings...and you are good to go!

Australia Tess Alexander: Tess' gown was definitely a stand-out amongst the 100+ contestants. It was one of the only true "ball gowns" and I thought it was both fun and glorious. The fit was great, it didn't look like a top of a wedding cake and I liked how her hair was relaxed, modern and young. She looked like a young aristocrat at the Paris Crillon Debutante Ball.



Honorable Mentions for Good:

Nicaragua Stefania Aleman: I liked this "different" style worn by Miss World Nicaragua. The blue coloration was impacting and elegant but what really got my attention was the fabulous guipure lace hi-lo "cape/coat".

Zambia Michelo Malambo: I was impressed by this gown worn by Miss World Zambia. The regal purple color looked amazing against her skin color and the design--albeit a tad "Pageant Betty" was still well done--I liked the folded front peplum with lace overlay as well as jeweled front torso details.



Fab Hat Gal:

Lesotho Relebohile Kobile: Three words--Go On Girl! I loved this entire look. She literally is giving "Lesotho Flag Couture"! Love it.

Panama Diana Jaen: I gotta give Miss World Panama points for Design Chutzpah! She decided to go all out Asiana Queen with what she wore for the "World Fashion Designer Dress" event/competition, paying homage to China, the nation where Miss World 2015 is being held. Normally, I might have put this under the "Cray-Cray" but A) wait until you really see THE CRAY-CRAY (below) and B) this was well-done and styled from head to toe; she looked like the Queen of a Macau Casino. And I loved that!

The Cray-Cray------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Croatia Maja Spahija: Where do I begin with the design cray-cray. Maybe the pointed front bustier/torso "rabbit ears" might be a good start. I can only imagine this design in front of the "Project Runway" judges and we know Nina Garcia, Zac Posen and Heidi Klum would have a FIELD DAY! And if the kooky pointed front wasn't enough, look closely, there's a candy colored tulled underskirt. Cray-cray for sure. On a good note, I do appreciate all the pattern and technical work that probably went into creating all those torso paneled sections.



Lace 90's Cray-Cray:

Aruba Nicole Van Tellingen: Will someone please tell Nicole--and whoever designed this--that it's not 1994 but 2015. The gold lace mini dress with the acid orange/red tulle overskirt reminds me of a cheap knock-off of a late 80's/early 90's Christian Lacroix creation. Maybe she was trying to be "Designer Retro"...who knows.

Netherlands Margot Hanekamp: On a good note--Margot looks like she would be fun at a cocktail party! On a not-so-good note--this dress is a big ol' tacky mess. The gold lace, the "Dynasty"-like shoulder, the too short front, her hair style, THAT one TOO-BIG earring...Who told her this was a stylish look? Poor thang.



Polyester Madness:

British Virgin Islands Sasha Wintz: Looking at this gown hurts my eyes. There's so much polyester here in the cheap satin and cheap lace that I am afraid if someone with a lighter gets too close to her, she might catch on fire! On the design front, the horizontal ruching and lace-and-diamante top and the diamante trim on the dress...PLUS...the mermaid shape...this is just beyond tacky-licious.

Germany Albijona Muharremaj: When I look at this dress, all I can think of is an episode from "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding". There are so many things wrong with this: the cheap $2.99 a yard red stretch sequin fabric, the nude illusion with red sequin detail at the torso and then the poly chiffon back panels. She looks like the hostess in a very off-the-strip Vegas strip club.

Bridal Sale:

Namibia Steffi Van Wyk: This looks like a wedding dress one would find at a 70% end-of-the-year sale at David's Bridal. What was Steffi thinking? And that necklace??? Ayyyy Dios Mio!

Slovakia Lujza Strakova: Another bridal-like design that somehow was forced upon a very pretty contestant. On a good note, I can almost see something like this in a Chanel Haute Couture runway show but then again, it would be made of very expensive, very luxe, very beautiful fabrications and would look and fit impeccably. But this doesn't. It's A LOT, and A LOT of mess. And somehow, she thought that wearing this wasn't enough of a "look" so she had to wear THOSE feathered earrings. Please don't.



Sheer Hoochie:

Cyprus Rafaela Charalampous: Oh Rafaela. What were you (and your designer) thinking? OK, let's get this out of the way: it's a black netting dress black hot shorts underneath. And this considered stylish? Where? I don't even think the tackiest of the Kardashian sisters would have worn this, even before they were multi gazillionaires. If this is an example of Cyprus Fashion, I may have to question their taste level.



Do Not Focus on THAT Part of the Body:

Mexico Yamelin Ramirez: While I do like the top section with its interesting laser-cut lace, it's that twisted rosette detail that is quite HUGE and placed right in front of her you-know-what, that makes me put this design under the "Cray-Cray" section. I can't believe nobody looked at the placement of that skirt drape and thought it might look a bit awkward! This is a mess of a design.

Queen of Cray-Cray:

Sweden Natalia Fogelund: Just when you thought you'd seen a lot of Cray-Cray, in walked Miss World Sweden. Just take a look at this torn tulle black and white mess. It's like she went through a hurricane or tornado...or maybe a paper shredder. Wow. And for that, she gets my Top Cray-Cray prize for World Fashion Designer Dress award.

ZILPAH TART - FASHFEST DESIGNER INTERVIEW

ZILPAH TART - FASHFEST DESIGNER INTERVIEW

The countdown is on until the style elite descend on Canberra for FASHFEST. In the lead up I caught up with Canberra designer Yumi Morrissey who is the creative genius behind Zilpah Tart and its strong colourful unique prints that I am excited to see sashay down the runway. 

Image: Andrew Donato

Where about's did you grow up?

I was born and raised in Canberra

What sparked your interest in fashion?

I decided when I was 7 years old that I wanted to be a fashion designer, and never changed my mind. I spent my time as a child making outfits for my troll dolls.

What personal history has(if any) influenced your views on fashion or your design aesthetic ?

I’ve always been a very girly girl so my designs are very feminine. I’ve also always found individuality important, even when I was a child, and so this is part of the way I design. The clothing stands out in a crowd, through the use of bright colours/prints and beautiful flattering shapes. It’s not designed to blend in, and the designs are not trend based.

How did you get to where you are now? Where did you study?

I studied a Bachelor of Fashion Design at Canberra Institute of Technology, graduating in 2007. My label at this point was just a hobby, while working in the public service. After my son was born in 2013, I quit my public service job to take my business full time. This was the time when I really started on the journey, working out what my true aesthetic and business direction was.

I am super excited to see the Canberra Institute of Technology, I adore the creativity of students and their willingness to push the envelope. How did you come up with the name for your label?

The name Zilpah tart was my grandmother’s name. Zilpah was her first name, and Tart was her maiden name. After she passed away, we were going through her things and I found a 1930s brooch of a penny farthing. At that point, I decided to use her name for the label and the image of the penny farthing for the logo.

Yumi Morrissey designer of Zilpah Tart Image: Holly Morrison

How many people are in your team?

Just me, myself and I. I outsource a small amount of production here in Canberra, but everything else is created by me.

That really impresses me that you are so hands on with your work in all fascists. What is your favourite material to work with?

I use stretch jersey. I love using jersey for the comfort and fit. Particularly after having a child, comfort and being able to move easily (bending down picking up a child etc) became super important. But I like to look good, and generally jersey doesn’t fit that category. So I use design to be able to make beautiful clothing that is also comfortable.

Everyone has one material that they absolutely detest working with, what is your least favourite material to work with and why?

That’s a hard one… but probably chiffon. It’s slippery, it moves on the grain, and is tricky to cut and sew. I generally avoid it at all costs.

I love your use of colour in your designs can you describe your collection in 3 words?

Bright, floral, feminine.

What is your inspiration for creating?

For each collection I design three new fabric prints based on Canberra photographs. I choose a theme and this theme directs the photographs that I take to create the fabric prints. 

I love creating clothing that is beautiful and unique, and not only makes someone feel good wearing them, but through the use of photographic prints, creates a personal connection for the wearer as well.

I agree that clothing should empower you and make you feel great. What or who is your motivation?

My main motivation is being able to do what I love. I think following your passion in life is so important, and I’m motivated to make my dream a reality.

Image: Anthony Caffery

In the lead up to FASHFEST could you share a little about what I and the crowd may see?

The new collection is full of colour. I used photographs from several years of Floriade (pulled them from my Floriade photo collection). I followed a sort of garden nymph vibe, and this will continue through the makeup and hairstyling for Fashfest as well.

You use wonderful digital printed fabrics from inspiration you have captured around Canberra, what is your first memory of using a camera?

My interest in photography is definitely something that developed later on in life. It’s something I really enjoy, but I’ve only really gotten into it over the last seven years or so.

What makes you passionate about fashion and the women you dress?

The most important thing for me is being able to make someone absolutely LOVE what they have bought and are wearing. I want to be able to make women feel good and special when they are wearing a Zilpah tart dress. This has many levels too. Not just the aesthetics of the dresses – I use shapes that tend to flatter most body shapes – but the comfort, the easy care instructions, the versatility (being able to wear the dress with a blazer for work, with sandals on the weekend, and with heals to a cocktail party), knowing that they are wearing a cool photo, quite often cleverly hidden in a pattern – this creates talking points too. Then there’s the local aspect. My customers know they are supporting a local designer. They know that the product is made in Australia by me and they end up with a personal connection to me and to the clothing. It’s makes it more special than a mass-produced piece with no identity.

What are you looking forward to at FASHFEST, besides your designs on the runway?

This will be the launch of my collection so I’m super excited to finally show the new designs, but I love being able to work with other creative people involved in the show, from hair and makeup, models, musicians, and just seeing the whole event come together.

You have been involved with FASHFEST for a few years now. Can you tell me how the festival has changed over the years?

I started at Fashfest in its second year (I was eight months pregnant when Fashfest first launched or would have applied that year also). The show has grown enormously, and it’s really developed its own identity. There are more designers and It’s earned its spot as a major Canberra fashion event.

Image: Tina Nikolovski

Can you describe what runs through your mind when you see your designs walk down the runway?

I love being able to see the designs come to life as a collection. I don’t normally get to see the full collection all together on people at once so It’s great to be able to see that. I also love being able to create a total image using the hair and makeup and seeing it as a show. I’m really excited about the hair and makeup concepts for this year. It’s an opportunity to be really creative.

What type of woman do you envisage wearing your pieces when you create them?

My customers are professional women, aged 25 to 40. They are confident and have a keen interest in unique styles and love to look and feel good.

Where would you like to see Zilpah Tart in 5 years?

My main focus at the moment is trying to expand into the Melbourne market. I now stock at Design A Space in Manchester Lane and Windsor. I hope to be able to build on my customer base there, and then when that market is at a sustainable point, to perhaps expand into the Sydney market.

What advice would you give to an aspiring designer?

Think about what you can provide your customers. What do they do? What do they find important? What do they want/need? Think about how your product can appeal to them on different levels. For example, my customers always tell me they love how easy the dresses are to wash and dry and that they don’t need ironing. Many professional women are busy and travel a lot. They love to be able to throw a versatile dress in a suitcase, and not have to worry about needing to iron it in a hotel room.

One thing I should see or do whilst I am in Canberra?

One of my favourite places to go is the National Arboretum. The views are spectacular, you don’t want to miss it. Sunrise there is incredible if you are an early riser.

You’ll also be in Canberra at the only time of the year when Tulip Top gardens (just outside Canberra on the Hume Highway) are open. They are incredible. I’ve used photos from Tulip Top in a previous collection. Floods of blossom trees all in bloom, tulips, and amazing views.

GFASHCOLLECTIVE: Thank you for the travel recommendations and giving me a little insight into your world. I look forward to seeing Zilpah Tart strut down the runway on closing night at FASHFEST and wish you all the best for the collection. 

Tickets are on sale now at:  http://fashfest.com.au/:

DEZZAL. New Designer Store.

DEZZAL. New Designer Store.

Hi Everybody!
Fashion news for everybody on blog! 
Brand new designer store appeared lately, I would like to introduce it to you! 



Between many beautiful projects you can find dresses, tops, bottoms and outerwear. Totally new, refreshing collections will surprise you with good quality materials and unique forms. Those clothes are unlike others I found online. 
I picked up a few examples to give you a small glimpse of what you can expect! Take a look!

Flounced Flare Sleeve Mini Dress

 Lace Spliced Printed Mini Dress

Cut Out Pure Color Mini Dress

Asymmetric Layered Midi Dress

 Hand-Drawn A Line Dress

 Lace Spliced Polka Dot Dress

 Swan Print High Low Chiffon Dress

Asymmetric Printed Dress

I found also very fashionable jumpsuits and twin-sets! Those are really special!

 Printed Blouse and Pencil Pants Twinset

Printed Belted Blouse and Pants Twinset

Cold Shoulder Blouse and Pleated Wide-Leg Pants Twinset

Website is very bright and rather easy to search. All the information about the product are next to the pictures. Every product got at least 3 of them. Very clear description gives all the information about material, size and even washing instructions. 
Every product is categorized so that it's easy to find it. For example by color, length, pattern, style, material. 

There is an option with SALE and NEW ARRIVALS too. You can check by clicking the link of the store DEZZAL.com


Assortment of the store is quite impressive, especially knowing that it is new on the market. 
Next to designer dresses you can find very original tops and bottoms, I like especially those here: 

Cut Out Striped Skirt

 Pure Color Cut Out Twinset

Buttoned Embroidery Blouse

Character Pattern Tank Top

I encourage you to visit their store and find out yourself, what is it so special about it? :) Have a great day my dear fashionistas! :)

Nick TV Minute: NBC-LA TV Emmy Awards 2012, FIDM Scholarship Store Red Carpet Finds, and Much More!

Nick TV Minute: NBC-LA TV Emmy Awards 2012, FIDM Scholarship Store Red Carpet Finds, and Much More!

Emmy TV Minute:

Today in Fashion Fab: (Left to right) Carl Bell (Weathercaster for the weekend editions for "Today In LA NBC"), "Today In LA Weekend" Anchors Ted Chen, Michelle Valles, and Nick Verreos

Last weekend was Emmy Awards time and as it has become a tradition, I was asked to go to visit my NBC-LA friends as the Fashion and Museum Spokesperson for the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM--to give my "Nick Two Cents" on what I thought the "Red Carpet Trends for the Emmys 2012" would be before the actual Emmy Awards and then I returned the day after to give my Emmys Fashion Round Up.

Speaking of the Emmy Awards and Costumes and FIDM--just so you know--the winning designs for this year's Emmy Awards "Outstanding Costumes for a Series" was HBO's "Game of Thrones" (above photo) and yes...

They are featured at this year's "6th Annual Outstanding Art of Television Costume Design" Exhibition at FIDM Museum & Galleries. And don't forget, they are open (Tuesday through Saturday) until October 20th and best of all, it's FREE. Go check it out (if you haven't!).

Now, let's discuss my predictions: last Saturday prior to the Emmy Awards 2012 Live Telecast, I went on NBC-LA Channel 4 "Today in LA" weekend news program with anchors Ted Chen and Michelle Valles to discuss what I thought would be the Red Carpet Trends using gowns from my very own NIKOLAKI Collection. I mentioned "The High Low Hem":

 NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul "high-low hem" gowns

And that came true in various forms, including the black Zac Posen gown "Mad Men" actress January Jones wore:

I also talked about COLOR--particularly corals, reds, etc. being a possible big trend--and lo and behold, they were:

Left to right: (my example) NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul coral colored gown and Ginnifer Goodwin in a Monique Lhullier coral and nude gown (also High-Low Hem BTW!)

Finally, I told Ted and Michelle on NBC-LA "Today in LA" weekend show that full-on sequins would be a presence on Emmy Awards 2012 red carpet...and it was:

Left to right: (my example) NIKOLAKI by Nick Verreos/David Paul, and Sofia Vergara in Zuhair Murad all-over sequin gown

NBC-LA News Anchors Chuck Henry, Colleen Williams and Fashion Designer FIDM Spokesperson Nick Verreos

On Monday after the Emmy Awards, I had the pleasure of being invited back to the NBC-LA Burbank Studios to discuss my "Top Picks" and those styles that well, were great but "Needed Improvement!". For the NBC-LA Channel 4 5 o'clock News, I joined my FAVORITE Anchors Colleen Williams and Chuck Henry. In case you were wondering, my Best Dressed was...

Heidi Klum in seafoam green Alexandre Vauthier silk chiffon double-slit gown. Perfect Miss Heidi.

To finish off my NBC-LA appearances over the weekend, I also shot a fun TV segment with Ted Chen showing "How to Dress for Red Carpet Events" on less than $100, featuring looks from the wonderful FIDM Scholarship Store, located in Downtown LA, street level at FIDM LA Campus.

Gown Sale: FIDM Scholarship Store, Downtown L.A.

Fashionista Jewelry Options: FIDM Scholarship Store, Downtown L.A.

I was so excited to film a special TV segment with NBC-LA's Ted Chen showing how women can dress for their own "Red Carpet" events but not spend thousands and thousands of dollars. The FIDM Scholarship Store is great for that. It has LOTS and LOTS of gowns, cocktail dresses, for under $100 from BRAND name designers--that would work perfectly at events such as the Emmys.

Strapless Girls: Nick Verreos, with models (left to right) Zdenka Sutton, Amanda Fields and Etirsa--FIDM Scholarship Store

Joining me on the NBC-LA "Red Carpet Under $100" segment were three of my favorite models in Southern California including Amanda Fields, Etirsa, and Zdenka Sutton.

Gown Prom Dates: FIDM Spokesperson and Fashion Designer Nick Verreos and NBC-LA's Ted Chen join models Zdenka Sutton, Amanda Fields and Etirsa--FIDM Scholarship Store

We all had so much fun shooting the segment and hopefully (if you watched it), we were helpful in getting the message out there that you don't have to spend $50,000 to look Red Carpet Fab!