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/:

Beauty Pageant Minute--Miss Universe 2012--The "Pageant Bettys" and the "Too Short Gowns" Girls!

Beauty Pageant Minute--Miss Universe 2012--The "Pageant Bettys" and the "Too Short Gowns" Girls!

The Pageant Bettys and the Too-Shorts:

Emerald Queen: Miss Universe South Africa Melinda Bam--Why is she in my "Pageant Betty" group? Read on kiddies... 

Photos Courtesy of MissUniverse.com

Continuing with my Recap of the "Miss Universe 2012 Evening Gown Portraits", in my last post HERE, I talked about my "Good" list--or favorites--and now, it's time to discuss the "Pageant Bettys" of the bunch plus what I call the "Too Shorts". For some explanation, "Pageant Bettys" are the ladies who well, look like a Pageant Betty--meaning the typical Pageant Girl, "done" from head to toe. They are usually wearing mermaid or full-style gowns, in pastel. Sometimes, there is some applique--usually a little "cheap" looking. And a lot of times, they may remind people of grown-up versions of the little girls from TLC's "Toddlers & Tiaras" . The "Too Shorts" are gowns that are, well, TOO SHORT, on the girls. This is a big NO NO in my book. It looks so "off-the-rack" and for a big moment such as the Miss Universe, it's time to get something Custom Made, or at least, get a seamstress to try and fix the situation.  

Now, as I stated in my last post, I realize that:

A) a lot of these girls might have just been handed these dresses and they may--or may not--have had a choice, and...

B) these may not be their actual Evening Gowns that they will wear to the all-important Preliminaries (I hope not, for some!). With all that said...here we go:

Miss Canada Adwoa Yamoah: Here are two fun facts about Adwoa: she's originally from Ghana but moved to Canada at a very young age. And second of all, she was not the actual winner of "Miss Universe Canada" but she was the First Runner Up. The actual winner hurt her foot only days before having to leave for the "Miss Universe 2012" pageant so, as they always say "if for some reason the winner cannot complete her duties..." And so it's Adwoa's time. Now, the gown. It's SO Pageant Betty! She's the QUEEN of Pageant Bettys in this peach-colored Mermaid gown with silver lace applique. There's really nothing wrong with this, except in my eyes, it's way too sweet and typical for such a gorgeous girl. She needs sexy, red carpet FASHIOOON! Please give this gown back to Miss America Alabama. ASAP!

Miss Honduras Jennifer Denise Andrade: Jennifer looks like she is starring in an episode of MTV's "My Super Sweet Sixteen"! She seriously looks like the daughter of a multimillionaire Honduran business man and she's having her Quinceañera. It's not a bad gown by any means. I think the "Barbie Pink" color may be too "cutesy" for her (if it was black or blush it might have helped). And the Prom-like hairstyle makes things worse. Also, it's waaay too long on the petite 5'2" Jennifer. For a girl that little, she does not need such an overwhelming dress.

Miss Angola Marcelina Vehekeni: Huneeeyyyyy!!!! Now here's another perfect example of a "Pageant betty" gown--and entire look--for that matter. Let's begin with the oversized bun hairstyle. Then, the oversized earrings, the strapless gown in a powder blue TAFFETA...with unexplainable creme applique, a cascade down the side front slit and then...is that an illusion panel trying to cover up the too-plunging décolletage area? I want to see this beautiful woman in a more modern style gown.

 

Miss Sweden Hanni Beronius: Another perfect example of a "Pageant Betty" look--but more updated to now. I would deem this "Pageant Betty" Lite. This strapless mermaid shaped gown is actually very nice. The shirred top section looks well made and I like the asymmetrically-cascading bottom-half ruffles. I think it's the pastel-y pink color with the choker of pearls (why??!!) and the dreaded side-swept ponytail hairstyle, that took her into Pageant Betty zone. This gown, in red, with no pearls and a more updated 2012 red carpet hairstyle: Done and done!

Miss Guatemala Laura Godoy: Here's another example of an actually great gown but not-so great styling--in terms of the hair.This silk duchesse (or is it ziberline?) gown looks well made and expensive. The fit is great (except for the too high pleated neckline). It could also double as a beautiful wedding gown--a "Two-for-One-Dress"! What takes to a "Pageant Betty" moment is the hair style (too "Sweet Sixteen") and the vanilla color of the gown. This gown in black with a modern hairstyle:  Más Bueno!

Miss Philippines Janine Marie Tugonon: This gown is very pretty--delicately pretty in fact. It reminds me of a modified Sari. I think the bright canary yellow color plus the scroll-y applique with lace overlay is what puts her in the Pageant Betty category. This is a gown that would work for the "Miss World" pageant where they like their girls sweeter. But for "Miss Universe", I'd rather see Janine Marie is something more red carpet fab with a little bit of sex appeal!

Miss Great Britain Holly Hale: What most puts Holly in this "Pageant Betty" category is her side swept hairstyle--plus the cascading iridescent POLY organza ruffles on the bottom half of this dress. First, make her hair straight, polished and modern. Next, I'd like to remove those poly organza ruffles and just take the top golden sequin portion to the floor. No need for the mermaid shape, no need for poly iridescent organza cascading ruffles. A simple column shaped gown in the silver/golden sequin equals a gown winner!

Miss Singapore Lynn Tan: The positive is that I like the color--it's like muted coral. The sequin detail is nice as well. But it's the organza (or is it tulle?) overlay in the back plus the darkened gunmetal sequin waist detail, and finally her "Pageant Betty" hairstyle that landed the very pretty Lynn here in this category.

Miss China Diana Xu Jidan: Diana is one of my favorites of all the 89 contestants this year. She has the height (almost 6 feet tall!), the perfect figure, the model-like look Miss Universe Organization likes; all of this combined can take her to the end. I was disappointed, however, when I saw her in this gown. It's not a bad gown, it's just a little "Pageant Betty" predictable. It's a little"Mother-of-the-Bride" to be honest. After all, this is what she is supposed to be wearing as her National Costume:

Guo Pei Haute "1002th Arabian Night" Spring/Summer 2010 Haute Couture collection---In other words, I'm expecting COUTURE darling! I hope she wears something else for the Preliminaries. Here's a suggestion of a gown from the same designer:

 Actress Li Bingbing in Guo Pei at the 2010 Venice Film Festival

Miss El Salvador Ana Yancy Clavel: Why are there poly organza faux flowers on this dress? I just want to know. And how, in the Pageant God's name is this supposed to be "Miss Universe" crown material? The very pretty Ana ends up here in the "Pageant Betty" category, first for the color of this gown--this bright canary yellow is very impacting but can veer into "Pageant Betty" in a split second. But it's more the flower detail and side chiffon layers which really put the nail in the coffin.

Miss Poland Marcelina Zawadzka: Marcelina is so beautiful--she looks like a tall (she's almost six feet!) version of one the Olsen twins! I'm sure she--and her pageant directors--wanted to highlight her super long legs in one form or another--but not with the usual HOOCHIE slit gown (that's on a later posting!). So she wore this sea-foam blue-green gown with an iridescent over-skirt. It's the IRIDESCENT OVER-SKIRT that gets me. She looks sweet and great from the waist up. Then it goes into Pageant Betty.

Miss South Africa Melinda Bam: Even though Melinda is short (by recent "Miss Universe" winners standards where the average height in the last nine years has been around 5'10"). Melinda is 5'7" according to this), she's still being considered as THE FAVORITE to win the crown on December 19th. She is stunning, impacting and has that "I'm both Sweet...and SEXY" Miss Universe quality. Now, let's discuss the gown. And it is A GOWN! I was a bit torn by this one. I almost put it in my "best" but then, the iridescent emerald organza over the satin and diagonal sequin detail plus the "Cathedral"-like train...all those things took it to a "Pageant Betty" Diva level. The pose, is A+. I give her that. She's stealing someone's boyfriend...and girlfriend, with that look!

Miss Norway Sara Nicole Andersen: First of all, Sara Nicole is gorgeous. Love her olive skin color as well as her hair. She's so Latina. And yet, she's from NORWAY! The gown is Pageant Betty on Testosterone; it's a strapless sequin bodice gown with a high-low shredded organza attached skirt that ends in a train. In peach. And are those sequins strewn throughout the gown skirt? Seriously. How could this gown NOT end up under "Pageant Betty" !? It's the store-bought version of...

The gown designed by Venezuelan pageant go-to fashion designer Gionni Straccia, worn by Ivian Sarcos when she won the "Miss World 2011" title (above).

The Too-Short Gown Girls:

Miss Lebanon Rina Chibany: Rina, Rina, Rina...why darling? Not only is this black jersey dress too short on you, then you go ahead and wear some 7" platform heels with it...to emphasize the fact that the dress is too short. Gowns should NEVER show the shoes, they should always hit 1/2" above the floor if not TO THE FLOOR. It's a cute dress--to go to a club in Miami, but not to use as your "Miss Universe 2012 Evening Gown Portrait".

Miss Denmark Josephine Hewitt: Josephine is one of the most beautiful girls in the pageant. She's got very classic, very "Hollywood" face structure and looks. Once again--like Miss Universe Lebanon--this is a gown that works for a pool party at the Delano in Miami--but not the Miss Universe 2012 Pageant. It is about FIVE inches too short on one side and about a FOOT too short on the other. And then she wears these stacked platform silver heels on top of it; accentuating the very obvious fact that the dress is too short. If she would have worn strappy heels with NO platform, she would have been fine!

Miss St. Lucia Tara Carla Edward: Tara Carla is simply beautiful--and tall (5'11"). This is why this store-bought gown ended up being too short on her. And this is why, she should have gotten a custom-made gown that was made for her height! Here's a lesson in store-bought floor-length gowns: manufacturers make gowns long enough for a 5' 7" woman. It's a "rule" in the fashion industry. So...if you are shorter than that, the gown will be too long, if you are around that, perfect. If you are above that...you get a "High Water/Flood" gown. And this is what happened. Ladies: PAY for a CUSTOM GOWN. The Cheap comes out EXPENSIVE, as Judge Marlyn Milian says: "Lo Barato sale CARO!".



***Next Up: The "Slit Queens" and "Cha-Cha Love" Evening Gown Recap of the Miss Universe 2012 Evening Gown Portraits

6 Restaurants & 4 Cakes

6 Restaurants & 4 Cakes

Monday 20th March

A day working from home, as we try to aim for Mondays means lunch on Main Street! $15 Lunch at Mother Dough. We had the mussels & cherry tomato linguine. Seasoned with salt, pepper and garlic. The mussels were fresh and juicy, average sizes, while the pasta was a bit chewier than I prefer, but fine apart from being too salty for me.  

Matt Preston's Nutella Pie-ish Cake

• Chocolate but not very sweet
• Not overpowering sweet - asian friend. Not anywhere as sweet as I thought! 
• Fresh strawberries brings it to life, as all 3 components compliment each other
• Bouncy texture like thick custardy jello/firm. Oh yes it reminds me of pie!

Experimenting in the kitchen we made a three ingredient cake! Well two, but we like to add vanilla, even though it seemed to make no difference in this recipe... To share a recipe my rule is that it has to be just right, and made at least twice. This one's ready. 

Tuesday

It's $16 pizza night at Sugo! Delicious and reasonably priced we can't wait to return!

Over to the Astor we saw a movie set during the war, tis alright and depressing, no dress or hair porn though. No where as uplifting and amazing as 'Hidden Figures' the last movie we saw. As depressing as the choc top was disappointing, with the stale cone.

Wednesday

A revisit to Huxtaburger Hawthorn, it's completely different from last time where service wasn't great and it was ran by asians. Think of the city kfcs that only hire international asians.

Britney $14

Grilled chicken, avocado, aioli, cheese, lettuce and tomato.

Delicious as always though Betty's is on par, perhaps better than Hux?

Beauty & The Beast - Girl's Night Out Event

Checking out the showbags. Sadly no program/postcard/flyer or any relevant merch, but there's food (stuff you can buy at Safeway) and some sachets of beauty samples and eyeshadow. Kinda disappointing after the amazing one at the last event we attended. Granted it was years ago (we saw the Devil Wears Prahran) - oh I just realized we saw that back home. I suppose it's more guy friendly? :P We were hoping for cookies/macarons and little edible treats.

The movie was great! Not as stunning as the french one, but magical in its own way!  We loved the dinner song and Gaston in particular, his best man/servant. LeFou is the original Elder Cunningham and Olaf the Snowman! The beast looks more like a goat/Krampus than lion... 

1597 was when shakesphere published romeo & juliet, though there's a 1750s roccoco style castle. Set during the Georgian era but after Victoria with Shakespeare (these two do boarder each other). At the castle time froze but the village people, some of them were related to the cursed servants? Why did the enchantress live as an outcast in the village?

It was set in France, they moved to the country because of the plague in Paris, though back Belle's family appear to have been poor. That or attics are as expensive as they are today in the city. 

The ball at the start was stunning! With all the powdered white wigs, so when the curse broke they were white but for the end party they wore black wigs??

Overall it was great and the beast gets a song too! They bonded over their love of books, being mother-less and Belle being the only girl in the village who could read, also her desire to travel. Highly recommend! We loved H has Belle, who's just as bright and brave!

Quotes
She's the prettiest girl in town, that makes her the best! XD
Screw your courage to the sticking-place - Gaston/Lady mb

Plot Summary

Thursday

The ABCs of time management. Gosh I wished we did this stuff at school! Sure I can plan, but then I get overwhelmed or one thing runs late making everything else late. Eg. Someone got hit by the train, even though I was to arrive at the theatre 30mins early but didn't make it till intermission. Trains were frozen, boom gates down and cars were at a stand still. No one was going anywhere tonight on this side of the city.

Me - I have a cape!
Him - Don't you already have one?
Me - Not one that's a blazer hybird. And it was $50 on sale.

One of the last ones I tracked when I saw the post, posted 20mins ago. It was meant to be as there was only one in my size in the city! Don't you love it when that happens?

Tip - If you see something you like go try it on and be certain of your size. Then add it tp your bookmarks tab, use java to email you when the page/price is edited. Using this I rarely ever pay full price. 

"...when they are pulling your teeth out it sounds like chicken bones snapping and you can hear the crackle of the tooth giving way and splintering. They grab your head and they really pull hard. It's all manual and very physical. A horrifying experience to say the least!"

". At one point the nurse was holding my head in place while he went to town with the pliers/cracker thing."

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/health-wellness/articles/2014/05/23/the-survival-guide-to-getting-your-wisdom-teeth-removed

I chickened out and moved it to next month...

Instead of the dentist we had dinner at Angliss.

Friday

So close but so far, I'm starting to think it's display only...

Meetings, a stop by goodwill, to the closed bookshelf at the tram, to the house to make a cake (well pie, nutella pie), cleaned then to dinner. We were going to a bar but it was dark, loud and overwhelming so we took a stroll and picked somewhere random. Discussions of which point when it [life] all started to go downhill.

Work in progress, twice in a fortnight, that's about as much cake as I can handle. :P

My first HSP (because they don't make them in kid size servings, like that size at LOTF, but I hate fake meat). This one's $15 from Hellenic Bite, meat (chicken and lamb) on chips with garlic, bbq and chili sauce. It was delicious! We also had a $6 salad which was average and not particularly recommended with Coles on the same block (their potato salad is the best). It was very hot inside the eatery, oddly so.

Saturday

Too many events, too little time!

10.30 for 11am start. Damn I thought it started at 10.30am, as it clashes with my 11am. On the way we discovered a book exchange, in the beauty garden. Ironic location isn't it?  XD No beauty and the beast books though. Fruit and hot dogs for brunch? Something the boys would like, and not the usual cakes it was a bit on the diy side. Over to a makeup demo, 3 looks 15 mins each using 5 or less products. Chatting up a model on her fav off duty pieces, relating to the audience though the limited travel wardrobe. Too mainstream for me.
Lunch at Rice Workshop. Teriyaki chicken ramen $10.50. The broth was rich and creamy. Most of the chicken wasn't chewy. Springy noodles maggi sized though not taste.
Good basic if there's no ramen places in the area.

At Sacca's Fruit World we found $6 trays of strawberries! 8 boxes, so around 75c each. On their way out, still good for jams and smoothies. We sorted, washed, cut and froze them. Got a large pot of the first round ones.

Up to Camberwell from the french fete, for the kids it wasn't my thing. It's your first started food festival with a petting zoo, games, auctions/raffles, food, music and the likes. No snow cones sadly, but there was a pre-wrapped bake sale. I was hoping to get an assorted plate of classic Australian party food but they didn't have that. We Had the jam drop cookies, too soft and retro inspired with the custard yellow. I was after chocolate crackles, real rum balls and honey joys. But they didn't have any of that, unless you're after enough to serve a family of 10.

Back at the house to pack before going out to a concert, we crashed. Turns out I can't do a morning and evening event on the same day... and lesson learnt: always choose music over fashion.

Sunday
6.30 start, leaving at 5.45am we made it! The moon was still in the sky, peaking 28 at 5pm?! Peaks are normally 10am. We volunteered, meet some awesome people and had a lovely view of the school from across the river! Lots of parrots/love birds and pretty little birds. at the end of the line we have magpies and noisy minors, sometimes pigeons

As we were close by, by north taking a fork in the road we visited my favorite cake shop, green refectory. Look for lonely hearts $2, yesterday's cake. Tastes just fine, even better at $2! When does it happen? I'm not sure, normally it's just muffins, but today there were three slices! We bought two pavs and a mars bar cheesecake to share, as we're going home

To the left is St Vincents, so many colourful dresses! Alas the one I like wasn't my size. A fancy one though just $12. We didn't get a picture as it was too crowded. Apparently people steal from goodwill, as the dresses were tied to the rack! Also of interest was this cookbook/picture book! We used to love Huey, sadly that was until we met him.

How was your week?

Red Carpet Minute: Best Red Carpet Gowns 2012

Red Carpet Minute: Best Red Carpet Gowns 2012

Le Red Carpet Fab:

We have come to the end of another year, and naturally that means it is time for the "Best of" lists. Here--on my NICKVERREOS.COM blog, I discuss--amongst many things--Red Carpet Fashion, Royals and Royal Weddings, Figure Skating Costumes and yes, Pageant Gowns, so I will do a "Best Of" list for all those. So...let's begin with my Favorite Red Carpet Gowns of 2012:



The Best Ivory, Blush & Color Gowns:

 Gwyneth Paltrow, Academy Awards 2012--Statuesque column one shoulder silk crepe gown with attached--but detachable--cape, from Tom Ford. The Best Gown of the entire night--and probably 2012. Gorgeous, simple, elegant, regal...gown perfection.

 Charlize Theron, Golden Globes 2012--Theron wore one of my favorite gowns of the year at the Golden Globes. It's a blush colored silk chiffon gown featuring a plunging neckline, side slit and folded-down silk gazar bows. The gown is a Custom Dior. Charlize's hair looks perfect, the Cartier headband is chic and so 1930's, and the waist diamond brooch just put's the right amount of sparkle to a fairly neutral-colored gown.

Kate Beckinsale, 2012 Golden Globe Awards--This strapless subtly sparkling fit-to-flare blush-colored gown is from Roberto Cavalli was one of my favorite of the year and of the 2012 Golden Globes red carpet. She was perfection.

Angelina Jolie, Golden Globes 2012--Angelina looked like a Madame Toussauds statue in this white silk satin gown from Atelier Versace. When she got on the red carpet, it was as if "Oh, yes, a Star has arrived!" I loved the pleated side draping, the perfect fit, slight dramatic train and pop of color highlighting THAT face of hers. This was the gown in which she "tested" that now-infamous "Angelina Slit Pose" using her other leg.

Tina Fey, 2012 Primetime Emmy Awards--One of the BEST Tina Fey has ever looked, in this burgundy colored strapless gown from British designer Vivienne Westwood. It's a simple column gown with a diagonally draped top "corset" section and a delicate peek-a-boo gold and black brocade embellished detail.

Nicole Kidman, 2012 Primetime Emmy Awards--I LOVED this gown and therefore had to put it here on my "Best of 2012" red carpet gown list.  It's an Antonio Berardi Spring 2013 ivory column gown with turquoise sequins in the form of wings. It fit her beautifully. Nicole was "subdued" elegance...with a sparkle PUNCH!

Natalie Portman, Golden Globes 2012--This is probably my favorite gowns of color from this year's awards shows red carpet. This strapless side-pleated gown is a Custom Lanvin by Alber Elbaz. I absolutely LOVE the fuschia color, and the tone-on-tone effect. The silhouette and side draping is so Classic Couture and very 50's "Old Hollywood Glamour". One of the best!

Best of the Metallic Gowns:

 Nina Dobrev, Met Gala 2012--The gown is Custom Donna Karan and "The Vampire Diaries" star looked stunning! The splashed metallic bias-cut gown is a Donna Karan staple and it works beautifully on Dobrev. She looks like an Erte drawing. I love the open back with side cowl drape and the UBER train is so Pageant Fab!

 Nicole Kidman, Golden Globes 2012--Nicole Kidman makes a second appearance here on my list in one of my other favorite gowns of 2012. This time, Kidman is looking very "Rock-&-Roll Chic" in this Versace Spring 2012 silver-gray column gown with metallic gold studded details. This had S-E-X written all over it. And yet, still looked elegant and red carpet perfect.

Stacy Keibler, Academy Awards 2012--George Clooney's gorgeous girlfriend almost made everyone forget who she came with--in this golden side twisted/draped gown from Marchesa Fall 2012--at this year's Academy Awards. This is not a gown for everyone and not everyone will think it's one of the Best of 2012, but for me, it belongs here for sure.

 Karolina Kurkova, Met Gala 2012--This gown is a golden metallic gown and it's a Custom Rachel Zoe. It's perfect from the front--and back. Love the matching turban...now, that's DRAMA. And yes, it helps that it all being worn by one of the top Supermodels in the World. But, even models can fail at the red carpet. But here, Karolina gets an A+.

Camila Alves, 2012 Cannes Film Festival--Brazilian-born Camila looks Frothy Fab in this Marchesa Fall 2012 lavender gown with a multi-layered tulle bottom and silver metallic embellished torso. This gown reminds me of an updated "Hello Dolly" Couture Goddess. 

Best of the Grecian Goddesses:

Diane Kruger, 2012 Cannes Film Festival--This Giambattista Valli Haute Couture Grecian-inspired silk chiffon gown was one of my Top Picks of 2012. I love the one shoulder style, light-as-a-feather delicacy, back "fall"...it's the complete package of a gown.

 

Viola Davis, Golden Globes 2012--Classic, chic, elegant...all words to describe Viola Davis in this burgundy-colored gathered one shoulder silk chiffon gown featuring a side slit and dramatic back "fall" (just like Diane Kruger's Giambattista Valli creation) from Pucci and Norwegian designer Peter Dundas.

Dita Von Teese, Elton John AIDS Foundation 2012 Academy Awards Viewing Party--She looked exquisite in this Jenny Packham Grecian Goddess style gown with sequined neck, shoulder and sleeve details. A beautiful gown.

Heidi Klum, 2012 Primetime Emmy Awards--I LOVED Heidi in this seafoam Grecian Goddess-style silk chiffon gown with fitted, gathered waist, deep V neckline and side slit from French designer Alexandre Vauthier. It was one of my favorite gowns of the 2012 Emmy Awards red carpet.

The Best of the All Over Sequin Gowns:

 Milla Jovovich, 2012 Academy Awards--One of the BEST gowns of the 2012 Academy Awards red carpet. This is a gown from the Elie Saab Couture Fall 2009 collection. That means it is over three years old, and frankly, it still surprises me that more stylists don't look through various Couture House's archives of past collections to borrow gowns (if the designer's allow them to, that is). This one shoulder gown features hand-beaded sequins over silk and if ordered, could set a millionaire's wife back about $100,000 (it's one-of-a-kind, made to order and done without one sewing machine--all by hand). It's stunning!

Sofia Vergara, Met Gala 2012--This blue-gray gown is from Marchesa Fall 2012 and features gold and silver sequin embellishments throughout. I loved the cascading peplum style and I think
it was one of my favorite looks on the gorgeous Sofia. We're so used to
seeing her in Va-Va-Voom styles and shapes, this was a nice very High
Fashion departure. Speaking of Va-Va-Voom...

 Sofia Vergara, 2012 Primetime Emmy Awards--This was also one of my favorite gowns of 2012. It was from Lebanese Couturier Zuhair Murad and the very fitted fit-to-flare teal-colored gown featured all over sequins. She was very "Miss Universo" in this, and maybe that's why I LOVED it! I'd be remiss not to mention the fact that yes, this dress was SO fitted that the center back invisible zipper famously broke (darn those invisible zippers!).

Evan Rachel Wood, 2012 Golden Globe Awards--FLAWLESS is the only word that comes to mind. This halter gown is Custom Gucci and has ombre deep-hunter green-to-emerald colored pailletes hand-sewn covering the gown which then "spill" out into a glorious bottom of feathers. She looks like a Couture Bird of Paradise.

Blake Lively, "Savages" LA Premiere--Blake is simply stunning in this Zuhair Murad Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2012 gown with black hand-beaded sequins strategically placed throughout the silk tulle and organza gown. One of THE BEST gowns of 2012. She looks like a blond Rita Hayworth.

Finally...

Ali Landry, TV Guide Network 2012 Academy Awards Red Carpet Coverage--Now, being that this is MY blog, after all, I had to be self-indulgent and last but not least, include one of MY own gowns, in this "Best Of 2012" list--Actress Ali Landry wore this raspberry-colored silk ziberline gown from my NIKOLAKI/Nick Verreos & David Paul Collection. to co-host TV Guide Network's 2012 Academy Awards Red Carpet Coverage (seen above with co-host Marc Istook). And yes, I think she looked AMAZING! And therefore, she HAD to make my list.

***Next Up: Best Royal Wedding Gowns of 2012