WHO WORE WHAT?.....88th Annual Academy Awards: Cate Blanchett in Armani Prive

WHO WORE WHAT?.....88th Annual Academy Awards: Cate Blanchett in Armani Prive

Cate Blanchett in Custom Armani Prive

 Cate Blanchett seems to be one of those actresses that NEVER gets it wrong on the Red Carpet (or in her films!). Tonight at the 88th Annual Academy Awards, Cate wore this gorgeous Mint Green Armani Prive Gown.

The gown was covered in beautiful Couture flowers that were made from feathers and crystals. They were strategically placed throughout the gown with a heavy emphasis on the shoulders and bust. The PERFECT look for all the Close-up photos!

 Cate Blanchett in Armani Prive 

Cate Blanchett in Armani Prive 

Runway Report: Paris Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011--Armani Prive

Runway Report: Paris Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011--Armani Prive

Le Japonais Couture...

Arigato Armani: Giorgio Armani takes his bow on July 5th at his Armani Prive Fall/Winter 2011 Runway Paris France

Over a week ago--during the Paris Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture Fashion Week--Giorgio Armani showed his offering of his Armani Prive collection--yes, the one you will see on big A-List Hollywood stars and yes, the one in which garments are hand-made, made-to-order to the size of the clients and yes, the one where a suit ensemble can put you back about $45,000 and a gown, well...about $100,000. Armani and Armani Prive have been in the news as of late because of the Prince Albert-and-Charlene of Monaco Royal Wedding (Bride wore Armani Prive Custom Wedding Gown) and of course, there were all those Royal Ladies who decided to order some of those $100,000+ aforementioned ensembles (The Belgium Royal contingency LUVS themselves some Armani Prive!!).

Sushi Queen: Armani Prive Fall/Winter 2011

For Fall/Winter 2011, the theme was Hommage au Japon. The collection was heavy on the origami folds, cherry blossom prints and obi belts. Suit ensembles featured cropped pants and nipped-in waist jackets. Plunging and/or asymmetrical necklines accented these as well as those obi belts and origami-style pleating and draping.

Cherry Blossom Suiting: Armani Prive Fall/Winter 2011

The gowns were sumptuous, with silk velvets, oversized orange paillettes, and Japan-inspired flower prints. It's difficult for ANY fashion designer to do Japonais when , well, John Galliano and his now-iconic (and heart-palpating) Dior Haute Couture Spring 2007 Collection of over four years ago, has become THE Fashion Design Guide Rule Book for what Madam Butterfly should look like...but I give Mr. Armani and his Armani Prive Design Team "Nick V." Points for even trying. Take a look:

Little Tokyo Gown: Armani Prive Fall/Winter 2011

Red Carpet Geisha: Armani Prive Fall/Winter 2011

Tunic Couture: Armani Prive Fall/Winter 2011

And then , of course, there were those FABULOUS Philip Treacy hats--this one above being one of my favorites--Can't wait until Princess Beatrice features this one at some event and makes half the Western Hemisphere--as well as East Asia--gasp!


Click Below for Full Armani Prive Fall/Winter 2011 Runway Video:

Prince Albert and Charlene Royal Wedding: The "Fashion Royals" Red Carpet!!! Naomi, Karl, Roberto, Giorgio...

Prince Albert and Charlene Royal Wedding: The "Fashion Royals" Red Carpet!!! Naomi, Karl, Roberto, Giorgio...

Fashion Royals...

This weekend's "Prince Albert and Charlene of Monaco Royal Wedding" brought out all the top royals, from Europe, Africa, Asia...you name it, they were there huney! In addition, it was also a "Fashion Royal" A-List event--where several of Europe's top Fashion Designers and Models also somehow, got one of those prized invitations. It's Monaco, after all:

Euro Royals-Meets-Euro Fashion:

Giorgio Armani and niece Roberta Armani in Armani Prive Spring 2010: Armani, who designed the bride's gorgeous wedding gown arrived with his NIECE--and the director of VIP PR for the House--Roberta Armani. Giorgio, who is (wait for it) an unbelievable, 76 YEARS OLD (he's about to turn 77 next week!), looked very trim and dapper (and about 56 years old!!), while his niece Roberta wore a dress...

"Inspired" by an Armani Prive Spring 2010 black strapless gown with attached side cape detail. The version Roberta wore was "cocktail length".

Naomi Campbell in Alexander McQueen: Supermodel Naomi Campbell arrived in a one-shoulder flower-embroidered mint-green gown from Alexander McQueen Pre-Autumn/Winter 2009 Collection, with Russian boyfriend Vladislav Doronin, property tycoon and Russia's "Donald Trump", albeit a (little bit) hotter version (Naomi ain't no fool! She knows who does and who DOES NOT have private planes darling!).

Roberto Cavalli and his second wife, Eva Cavalli: Eva was a former Miss Austria and a Miss Universe 1977 Runner Up, and she is also Chief Designer and Business Partner for La Roberto! Miss Eva wore a navy blue pant suit with sequin top, HUGE hoop earrings and a FAB navy blue hat.

Karolina Kurkova in Chanel by Karl Lagerfeld Haute Couture Fall 2009 (yes, it's three yrs old...almost "Vintage!")--Karolina looked smashing in...

the navy blue suit-dress made from silk taffeta with sequin crystal back "train". Inquiring minds want to know if
A) She ordered it and had it "made to order" (and therefore payed the $50-75,000 cost, which I am sure Karolina can afford) or...
B) Did she just borrow the Archive Runway Sample? Just wonderin'

Finally...

Karl Lagerfeld and his (fill in the blank) Sebastien Jondeau--Karl was of course, present at the Monaco Royal Wedding as he is not only a close family friend but dressed Princess Caroline, her daughter Charlotte, Princess Stefanie's daughter Pauline as well as several others. Lagerfeld arrived with Sebastien Jondeau--who has been recently refered to as "Lagerfeld's "shadow" . Look at Karl's fingerless gloves! You. Do. Not. Want. To. Mess. With. Those...

Prince Albert and Charlene of Monaco Royal Wedding: The Royal Guest's Red Carpet!!!

Prince Albert and Charlene of Monaco Royal Wedding: The Royal Guest's Red Carpet!!!

Monaco COUTURE Red Carpet...

The Family...

Niece of the groom, the model-stunning Charlotte Casiraghi (seen above with her beau, Alex Dellal)--For the wedding, Charlotte wore a rose pink silk taffeta off-the-shoulder dress featuring crystal center front buttons and black satin "bow" sashes from...

Chanel Haute Couture Spring 2011

Princess Stephanie and her children, including Luis, Pauline and Camille (left to right)--Pauline wore...

Chanel Pret-a-Porter Spring 2011 blue tweed boucle with feathered hem. Pauline added a skinny belt to accent her teeny waist. By the way, I just wonder if Pauline can get to wear a $20,000 Chanel dress at only 17 years old...it's safe to assume she'll NEVER touch Zara or H&M now!

Princess Caroline of Hanover and her daughter Alexandra--Princess Caroline, a strong devotee and client of the House of Chanel (as well as very good friend of Karl Lagerfeld's), wore a rose pink drop-waist dress with sequined silk chiffon jacket from Chanel Haute Couture Custom. Naturally.

Euro Royals...

Denmark: Crown Princess Mary and Prince Frederik of Denmark--I absolutely LOVE the turquoise blue color of this front-wait tied dress on Australian-born Crown Princess Mary of Denmark. The hat is FAB-u-Lous as well!!! Ten "Nick V Fashion Pints" my dear! Well done.

Norway: Princess Mette-Marit and Prince Haakon of Norway--Princess Matte-Marit's drabby blush-colored dress is not one of my favorites I must admit. It just blends in with the rest of her--it's just too close to her own skin coloring. She should have opted from a bolder stronger color. It's a "Monaco Yawn" for me...

England: Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex and Sophie, Countess of Wessex--The Countess looks nice. But that's all I can say, really. As elegant as she can dress for events such as this, there's still something about some of the British royals (and sub-royals) that well, do not come quite close to the Princess Caroline's of the World. Somehow, they missed the "I-was-born-with-a-silver-Couture-spoon-in-my-mouth" part. However...

England: Prince and Princess Michael of Kent--This is one exception to the British Royal Family (along with Prince William and new Fashion Goddess Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge). These two are always IMPECCABLE!! And naturally so. While I have a feeling Countess Sophie would rather be in jeans and sandals, I think the Prince and Princess Michael of Kent are thoroughly comfortable in "Adult Dress Up" clothes. The Princess is the definition of class in her jewel-blue silk shantung suit with THE MOST fabulous of sleeves (and boy! Is that a Necklace, kids!). And the Prince, well, just look at him! Tailored Perfection!

Sweden: HM Carl XVI Gustaf, King of Sweden and Queen Silvia of Sweden--Queen Silvia chose a lilac-colored mini-side gathered dress with matching colored hat. She looks like a Queen should look. And once again, King Carl Gustaf forgot how to smile...

Sweden: H.R.H. Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Prince Daniel, Duke of Vatergotland--The King and Queen of Sweden's daughter, Crown Princess Victoria is becoming quite the fashionista of Scandinavia and we see why here. I like the entire look; the sequined cap-sleeved dress is rich, impressive and still young-looking. And the matching chignon "snood" covering her hair bun is GENIUS! She gets another one of my "Nick V Royal Ten Points"...Now, her husband, once again, still looks like a Computer Analyst who was forced to put on a Morning Suit...because his wife told him so! Poor thang...

The Netherlands: Princess Maxima of the Netherlands and Willem-Alexander Prince of Orange and heir to the Dutch throne--Argentinian-born Maxima chose a bright stand-out color for the Monaco Wedding in this orange-yellow diagonally pleated dress with a raw-cut oversized flower detail at the shoulder. I'm sure the color was no accident sine in fact, it goes perfectly with her husband's sash.

Luxembourg: Cuban-born Maria Teresa Grand Duchess of Luxembourg and Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg--Maria Teresa chose a nude side gathered crepe dress and stunning sequined cropped jacket. She does look much better than what she wore to the "William and Kate" wedding--yet still, she is having some wrinkling issues...

Belgium: Italian-born H.R.H. Queen Paola of Belgium and King Albert II of Belgium--The Queen is wearing Armani Prive Custom hand-beaded degrade cocktail dress, and taupe jacket with sequined edge trim.

Belgium: Princess Mathilde Duchess of Brabant and Prince Philippe Duke of Brabant--He is the eldest son of the King and Queen of Belgium (previous photo). Princess Mathilde is also wearing Armani Prive Custom, a violet princess-seamed sheath dress with attached capelet...

Inspired from this Armani Prive Spring 2011 look above. The Princess, of course, had it customized to her specific design standards and choosing. That's what one can do when A) You're a Princess, and B) Can afford a $40,000 Couture Suit.

Italy: Emanuele Filiberto, Prince of Venice and Piedmont, heir of Vittorio Emanuele Prince of Naples, and his wife French actress Clotilde Courau--Love her bright coral organza ruffle accented sheath dress by Giambattista Valli.

France: Madrid-born H.R.H. Louis Alphonse de Bourbon, Duke of Anjou and claimant to the French throne and his Venezuelan-born wife Maria Margarita Vargas Santaella...

Who wore a design from fellow Venezuelan-born American designer Carolina Herrera and her Pre-Fall 2011 Collection.

Russia: H.I.H.Grand Duchess Maria of Russia--DIVA with a Capital "D"--I absolutely LOVE this woman!!! Babushka Who???? Nope, not so much. She looks IMPERIAL in this flower-printed caftan-and-dress ensemble with a matching Kokoshnik (headdress). Something tells me I would find Maria, the Grand Duchess, at the Vodka Bar, having a gay old time!!!

Persia/Iran: Her Imperial Majesty Empress Farah Pahlavi--always one of the Best Dressed women in the World, impeccable style, refined elegance, as seen here in this lemon suit with satin piping and box-pleated skirt. The Turban-scarf is so Sheikha Mozah of Qatar by the way!

Morocco: Rome-born Princess Lalla Meryem, the eldest daughter and child of the late King Hassan II if Morocco and her daughter Princess Lalla Soukaina--both went the "traditional Moroccan dress" route wearing stunning takchita. The mother's (left) is of course, the most elaborate of the two while the daughter's is more "subdued" and understated.

Thailand: Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana of Thailand--looking beautiful and very chic in a traditional Thai dress--albeit, a very COUTURE version of one. Here's some DISH: After the divorce of her mother, she moved to United Kingdom with her mother and siblings. However, she later was taken by her father from England and brought back to Thailand. Besides the fact that she comes from one of the wealthiest Royal Houses in the World, she also studied Fashion and Textile and is an aspiring fashion designer and has shown collections in Bangkok and Paris fashion weeks.

Stay tuned for Fashion "Royals" at the Prince Albert and Charlene Royal Wedding in the next post...

Weekly Royal Dish: Charlene Wittstock will be Her Serene Highness Princess Of Monaco

Weekly Royal Dish: Charlene Wittstock will be Her Serene Highness Princess Of Monaco

Her Serene FASHION Highness...

Prince Albert of Monaco and fiancé, Charlene Wittstock, soon-to-be Her Serene Highness of Monaco, Charlene--recently attended the amfAR Cinema Against AIDS benefit at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d’Antibes, France. Looking absolutely stunning in a pale blue silk gown with Swarovski crystals around the Empire by Armani Prive, Charlene Wittstock was dazzling on the arm of her fiancé.

Yesterday, it was announced that Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe, a country in southern Africa for those geographically challenged)born stunner Charlene Wittstock will be Her Serene Highness, Princess Charlene of Monaco as well as Duchess of Valentois, Marchise (Or Marchioness) of Baux, and Countess of Carlades. These are the same titles that the late Princess Grace of Monaco also had. The soon-to-be Princess Charlene will get the same protocol as her Prince Albert. And hopefully some of the BILLIONS he has--he is after all supposedly, one of the wealthiest Monarchs in the entire world!

Charlene Wittstock in Armani Prive

But really, what I am interested in is the fact that the future Princess of Monaco is quite a Fashionista! It all sort of began when she wore a Haute Couture hand-made suit by Armani Prive (seen above) that if she actually purchased it, would set her back about $40,000. If anyone wants to pinpoint Charlene's "Fashion Moment", this would be IT for me. Even future sister-in-law Princess Caroline's son was like "Oh No you DIDN'T!!" (see photo above)

Recently, at the Monaco Grand Prix 2011, she wore this lovely and very Lady-like printed dress (above)...

Charlene Wittstock in Akris, AmberLounge Fashion Event

She also caused a stir wearing this strapless jumpsuit, by Akris for an AmberLounge Fashion Event. Strapless black sequined and wide legged palazzo jumsuit? For a future Princess? Yep, she gave them "Disco" huney!

Charlene Wittstock in Akris, Grand Prix of Monaco 2011 Party

Later that same day--for the Monaco Grand Prix 2011 Gala, she also wore Akris. This time it was a bateau-necked bronze sequined gown that SCREAMED Hollywood Screen Goddess.

Charlene Wittstock in Akris gown, Queen Elizabeth II's Pre-William and Catherine Wedding Party at Mandarin Oriental, London

Speaking of Akris...Many wondered who had designed her over-the-top strapless silver gown during the "William and Catherine Pre-Wedding" evening reception hosted by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Yep, it was from the Swiss design House of Akris. It should be noted that they recently opened a boutique in Monaco and let's just say, Akris' PR Office is certainly working OVERTIME!!!!

Finally, (again in Akris!), here is Charlene and her future husband, Prince Albert of Monaco (above) at last month's Kate and William Royal Wedding. Albert and Charlene's Wedding is to take place July 2, 2011. The rumor is that she will wear Armani Prive, a custom made gown estimated at over $100,000. I cannot wait to see it!