London 2012 Olympics Fashion Minute: Fashion at Olympics Closing Ceremony

London 2012 Olympics Fashion Minute: Fashion at Olympics Closing Ceremony

Fashion Catwalking as an Olympic Sport:

London 2012 Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony Fashion Tableaux

This past Sunday signaled the end of the London 2012 Olympics with the Closing Ceremony. There was A LOT of criticism out there in the social media/Facebook/Twitter-sphere regarding the NBC telecast of the Closing Ceremony--from the Tom Brokaw WW II "History Lesson" to the cutting off of The Who performance in lieu of watching a prepubescent boy band and a full episode of NBC's Animal Practice...but I thought London put on an amazing show--notwithstanding the criticized NBC edits. I thought it was TEN times better than the Danny Boyle Opening Ceremony and certainly much more exciting. But that's just me...

Torino Olympics Flashback: Nick Verreos--in major Torino gear--at the Closing Ceremony, Torino 2006 Winter Olympics

Six years ago, my NIKOLAKI-partner-for-life David Paul and I attended the Torino Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony. It was good but NOT London 2012 Closing Ceremony good!! I think the highlight of the Torino one was Ricky Martin--he was VERY big then and performed his "Ole Ole Ole...Cup of Life" song! But the London Closing Ceremony was a major celebration of British Music, dance, the 80's (George Michael AND Pet Shop Boys! I felt like I was 19 all over again!!!). And then, what really made me get up and start doing my "Nick Runway Walk" in my TV room was when they brought out the Supermodels and the Super Fashion! Now here's a surefire way to get a fashion designer's attention! Thank you Closing Ceremony Producers.

Catwalk Fierce: (left to right) Models Stella Tennant, Lily Cole, Karen Elson, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell, Jourdan Dunn and David Gandy (model Lily Donaldson is hidden behind Gandy)

The Closing Ceremony Fashion Spectacle began as eight big "billboard trucks" made their way into the
Olympic Stadium. To the musical backdrop of David Bowie’s "Fashion", the black and white billboards were pulled back and BAM!, the billboards fell away to reveal the gold-clad models--all Top British Models wearing Top British Fashion Designer's couture.

Liza Minnelli Envy: Stella Tennant in a gold sequined suit from fashion designer Christopher Kane

Golden Gorgeous: (left to right) The only male model in the Closing Ceremony Olympics Catwalk, David Gandy in gold lurex suit by Paul Smith with Jourdan Dunn  in a Stephen Jones feathered headdress and Jonathan Saunders ivory jersey with gold lame column gown; Karen Elson  in a slit-up-to-there gold strappy gown from the House of Burberry.

Fitted, Short and Sweet: (left to right) Model Lily Donaldson in a corseted bust-pushing gown from Vivienne Westwood; Lily Cole in a gold brocade and lace knee-length dress from Erdem

Sequined Super: one of the MAJAH SUPER Models in the group--the one and only Kate Moss wore a Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen bias cut golden sequin gown with cap sleeves and scooped neckline. She SLITHERED on the runway like it was 1994 kids!!

Flared Blue Blood: Georgia May Jagger (yes, Jerry Hall and Mick Jagger's beautiful daughter) in gold silk gazar a-line dress from Victoria Beckham--there was criticism on the web-o-sphere about Beckham being included here as one of the "Top" iconic British Fashion designers, and some people suspected that this might have been a "requirement" of sorts--contractually, if she was to perform with the rest of her Spice Girls...who knows...I think it was a very pretty dress.

La Diva: And finally, Miss Naomi. Yes, kids, it wouldn't be a British Fashion Show to End all British Fashion Shows WITHOUT Miss Naomi Campbell. And she delivered darlings. Campbell STOMPED onto the London 2012 Closing Ceremony catwalk showing EVERYONE why she is who she is and why she can throw cell phones at anyone she wants---in an iridescent golden tulle dress from Sarah Burton of Alexander McQueen.

The gown was very Olympics Warrior Goddess and naturally, included a dramatic and very long train.

Cheers to British Fashion, British Models and yes, the London 2012 Olympics!

Royal Fashion Minute: Prince Albert and Charlene Monaco Wedding--The Wedding Dinner Red Carpet!

Royal Fashion Minute: Prince Albert and Charlene Monaco Wedding--The Wedding Dinner Red Carpet!

Dinner Outfit Changes...

Bienvenue Prince and Princess: Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene of Monaco

As we know, there was a "certain" FAB Royal wedding over the weekend, and of course, after any wedding there has to be a BIG Party!!! So, following the glorious Religious Wedding of Prince Albert II and Charlene of Monaco, there was the even more fabulous Wedding Dinner Reception...

Is Saturday Night Available: The Opera Garnier, sight of the Prince Albert and Charlene of Monaco Wedding Dinner Party

Now, not just any "Banquet Room" would do for one of the wealthiest royals in the World, so naturally, this Wedding Dinner and Party was held at the Opera Garnier and catered by the one-and-only French Chef Alain Ducasse. Everyone who was anyone--well who was at least invited--was there! First up, of course were the Bride and the Groom.

Armani Prive Custom: Princess Charlene of Monaco

The bride, Princess Charlene changed from her gorgeous Armani Prive Custom Wedding Gown into another Armani Prive Custom white gown. This time it was silk organza high-neck and sleeveless multi-tiered dress with all-over sequin detail. Just perfect. It wasn't over the top, it was just the right side of subdued elegance and yet still, entrance-making!

The Casiraghi's: Pierre, Charlotte and Andrea Casiraghi--Princess Caroline of Hanover's oldest children. Charlotte evoked images of both her late Grandmother Princess Grace as well as Princess Antoinette (the late Prince Rainer's sister who loved caftans and capes when she attended many a Monaco Ball) in this sublime mint-blue gathered gown with dramatic cape.

The Partners: The Casiraghi children's respective girlfriends and boyfriend were present--US-born Brazilian and Colombian socialite/heiress Tatiana Santo Domingo (Andrea's girlfriend), British-Iranian playboy Alex Dellal and yet anotjher FAB Euro trust-funder, Beatrice Borromeo (Pierre's girlfriend) who hails from the aristocratic House of Borromeo.

Caroline of Hanover: Princess Caroline changed from her Chanel Haute Couture Custom rose-pink Wedding ensemble to this black lace tea-length gown and "comfortable" t-strapped heels. Inquiring Minds want to know: Where is her estranged husband, the Prince of Hanover, Ernst August? The last that was heard of him is the he took off with another woman and was never heard from since...Interesting.

Princess Stephanie: The Groom's other sister, Princess Stephanie wore a white sequined gown to the Wedding Reception. Poor Stephanie, she looks "through"! Too much of a sad life, too much partying in her early days and too much South of France sun...have all taken their toll on the Princess.

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden: Victoria, here with her husband Prince Daniel Duke of Vastergotland, wore a one-shoulder pink and gray gown with sequined waistband detail. She looked "regal"--it helped to have that CROWN!!! Wow! I can only imagine the security that had to travel with these royals to this wedding--just to be "on the watch" of the Royal Jewels! I would have liked the colors to be just a bit stronger. It looks a tad bit "matronly", or "mother-of-the-Bride".

Good Genes: Her gorgeous sister and brother, Princess Madeleine and Prince Carl-Philip of Sweden. Madeleine is one of the "Best Dressed" of the night in this strapless silver-gray organza gown with dramatic train. The choker necklace, diamond tiara and silver clutch are the perfect accessories. She seriously looks like a Finalist in the Miss Universe Pageant in this gown (and with the crown), and I mean that in a good way...

Princess Mathilde of Belgium, Duchess of Bravant: Mathilde changed from an Armani Prive Custom suit which she wore earlier in the day to the Religious Wedding Ceremony, into this GORGEOUS Armani Prive Custom $100,000 off-the-shoulder gown in fuchsia metalized silk. Now this is a GOWN! I think the directional fabrication makes this gown, otherwise it would probably look rather matronly and again--mother-of-the-bride-ish. But it doesn't! Saved by the fabric!!!

The fabrication is from the Armani Prive Spring 2011, as seen above from one of the looks from that collection that could have "inspired" Princess Mathilde's design.

Denmark Meet Belgium: Princess Mathilde's husband, Prince Philippe of Belgium (right) entered the Wedding Dinner Party with Princess Mary of Denmark. Lots of the Royal Guests were actually paired with other royals who weren't their actual partners. I love how his sash (almost) matches her pink/fuchsia one-shoulder princess-seamed gown. The gown is classic, non-fussy and of course, I LOVE the color! Ten Points my dear!

Old-School: H.R.H. Swiss-born Karim Agha Khan VI arrived at the Monaco Wedding Reception Dinner Party, with H.I.M. Empress Farah Pahlavi, who once again proved to everyone why is such a Fashion Diva. Pahlavi wore a blush-colored notched-collar "shirt-Gown" with contrast white front and sleeve cuff detail. Definition of Chic! And look at those peep-toe pumps! Seriously, she is 72 years old! She gets "Nick V. At-a-Girl" points!

Ball Gown Beauty: Maria Margarita (left), Venezuelan heiress and wife to Louis Alphonse de Bourbon, Duke of Anjou (the "Royal Social Circle" rumor is that her family has more money that he does!), looked resplendent in this Carolina Herrera strapless silver-gray gown with silk organza overlay and gold and silver sequins. She looks like an actress in a Disney "Princess Diaries" movie. Perfection.

My New Favorite Royal: Grand Duchess Maria of Russia--She may not really have a country to rule over any more, but boy does she always look FAB-u-Lous!!! Her Imperial Highness LOVES her prints and she didn't disappoint in this violet-colored caftan-gown. Her crown looks very similar to the Kokoshnik she wore to the Religious Wedding earlier in the day.

Supermodel Naomi Campbell changed from one gown...to another, for the Wedding Dinner Party. She wore an ivory silk gown with crystal and emerald jeweled sequined details. Of course, she is WORKING IT OVERTIME!!! This isn't Naomi's "First Time at The Rodeo" as we all know. She even took off the feathered shrug-coat...

So the photographers can get to see hers sans the coat! At-a-Girl!

The gown is from Givenchy Fall 2009 Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci. It looks as if in the original Runway Look, the front and sides were covered with skin-colored mesh but of course, for Miss Naomi, they were removed.

Congratulations to Prince Albert of Monaco and his bride, Princess Charlene--And thank you for all the FAB Couture Fashion!!!

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...

Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute Gala Red Carpet: The Models!!

Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute Gala Red Carpet: The Models!!

Posin' Pros...

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Burberry: Victoria's Secret Supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (how much do we just LOVE that "Upper Class"-sounding name of hers?? I have a feeling she didn't grown up in the "Projects" my dear!). She looks radiant, even if a bit wrinkled in this Burberry gown. PS: This is Burberry? Didn't know they were into silk charmeuse! And PPS: That IS a SLIT kids!

Red Bombshell: Brazilian Supermodel Gisele Bundchen in Alexander McQueen. OK, B**ches: SIT DOWN, the Queen has arrived! If I was a girl standing within ten feet of her, I would have run for cover. Trust me ladies, you would not want to be competing with this. How do you say "fabulous" in Portuguese?

Crystal Renn in Zac Posen: Pardon me for asking but, SHE'S supposed to be FULL FIGURED???? She looks like a Runway Size 2 to me. What happened to all the "I want to be the Poster Child for 'Real Women with Curves' stuff"? You can read more about the controversy HERE. Oh well, she still looks SAVAGE in this black silk taffeta Zac Posen . Loving that hair too! One word: WORK!!!!

Valentino with model Natalia Vodianova in Valentino: Pretty and Regal. Her hair and make-up (especially the EYES!) are on-point. Love the red clutch. Yes, Valentino is a bit orange, but hey it is VALENTINO! He gets a pass.

Miranda Kerr in Marchesa: Who got in a fight at a Mexican Girl's Quinceañera? Miranda Kerr did. I know that I have said this before "Models can get away with wearing (Almost) anything!!!" Well: Exhibit A of "Almost" above.

Karolina Kurkova in Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring 2011. Question: Is she wearing Guipure Lace Pants?

Answer: Yes. Here's the gown--and matching pants from Gaultier's Spring 2011 "Can Can Couture" Collection (above). It kinda works on me! Let's just be happy she didn't add that feathered headdress (or maybe she should have!).

Elettra Wiedemann in Prabal Gurung. Elettra--in case you didn't know--is Isabella Rossellini's daughter, she's a model, darlings. And wow, is she gorgeous! Not so much for the dress. It's a RUCHED mess if you ask me. I love me some Prabal Gurung; he's one of the most talented US Designers and in Miss Anna Wintour's "Little Black Book" of Faves. But this was a bit of a miss.

Joan Smalls in Tom Ford. Three words: At A Girl. And two more: Slinky and smoldering.

Jessica Stam in Tommy Hilfiger: Next. She's going to the Met Gala not a High School Dance in 1953. I hope she didn't actually pay someone to do her hair that night...Just sayin'.

Hillary Rhoda in Alexander McQueen: Edwardian Dandy Meets Equestrian Diva. I bet she probably could ride a horse in that! Or go Fox Hunting!

Coco Rocha in Alexander McQueen: This has the right amount of "Valley of The Dolls" element (the chiffon gown, the updo hairstyle) which makes me want to be pool side in some fab home in Bel Air in 1967 drinking Martinis and popping pills! Love it.

Chanel Iman in Dolce & Gabbana: Can you say Michelle Obama, size 00?? Prim, proper, almost "Diplomatic". The perfect white lace sheath dress. Chanel looks radiant.

And Last But (Certainly) NOT Least...Miss Naomi Campbell:

In Alexander McQueen. I'm sure up close this gown is a Piece of Work and incredible in fact. And I'm sure on the runway, those layers and layers of sliced chiffon did their magic. But on Naomi, she just looked like a Grecian Goddess Statue...who got stuck in a tornado, unfortunately. On a Positive Note: The hair reminds me of my Mom, Raquel in Caracas Venezuela circa 1975 at the "County Club".