What It’s Like to Spend Friday Night with a Victoria’s Secret Model, Nina Agdal

What It’s Like to Spend Friday Night with a Victoria’s Secret Model, Nina Agdal

he Winter Wonderland Ball, now 19 years old, has always been one of the year's most stylish parties. This year’s Ball, held at the New York Botanical Garden, was nothing short of spectacular, with fashion industry’s chicest in attendance: Mia Moretti, Georgina Bloomberg, and Victoria’s Secret model Nina Agdal.

Agdal, beautifully dressed in a winter white lace Etro dress, let InStyle.com tag along as she got ready for the event of the holiday season. Here, follow as she chooses her look, hangs with her glam squad, and chills out before partying hard.

RELATED VIDEO: Back of the Cab with Nina Adgal

Bella Hadid Defies Winter in Canary Yellow Fendi Dress

Bella Hadid Defies Winter in Canary Yellow Fendi Dress

December? I barely know her!

Supermodel Bella Hadid eschewed seasonal norms in favor of a breezy canary yellow dress by Fendi for the opening of the Bulgari Resort in Dubai on Tuesday night. Fresh off the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in China, Hadid, 21, glowed in the high-necked ensemble with a flirty keyhole cutout.

A geometric silver belt accentuated her lithe frame, while a pair of golden gladiator stilettos laced up to her calves. An elegant chignon highlighted the unique silhouette of her dress, as well as her sky-high cheekbones and glittery Bulgari jewels.

Also in attendance was Tomb Raider star and newlywed, Alicia Vikander. The actress stunned in a blush, fresh-off-the-runway design from Jonathan Simkhai's spring 2018 collection. The lacy high-low dress featured a romantic macrame cutout design, flutter cap sleeves, and a sexy bustier bodice.

Also in attendance was Tomb Raider star and newlywed, Alicia Vikander. The actress stunned in a blush, fresh-off-the-runway design from Jonathan Simkhai's spring 2018 collection. The lacy high-low dress featured a romantic macrame cutout design, flutter cap sleeves, and a sexy bustier bodice.

ICE STYLE.....2017 Rostelecom Cup of Russia COSTUMES REVIEW: The MEN!

ICE STYLE.....2017 Rostelecom Cup of Russia COSTUMES REVIEW: The MEN!

A Costume Repeat? Maybe...Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan at the 2017 Rostelecom Cup of Russia Grand Prix of Figure Skating in Moscow Russia

This past weekend was the first of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Season 2017-2018 international competition events: The Rostelecom Cup of Russia. It was held at the Megasport arena in Moscow Russia. Disciplines in Ladies, Mens, Pairs as well as Ice Dance were on display and the winners of these disciplines earn points to qualify them for the 2017-18 Grand Prix Final...

GOOOO JAPAN!!! Even though the Grand Prix of Russia was held in...Russia, the Megasport Arena was PACKED with the very supportive Japanese fans. Thousands traveled to Russia to cheer on their Japanese skaters, especially Yuzury Hanyu. God bless the Japanese fans, they seem to be keeping the ISU and figure skating afloat many, many thousands of fans at a time!

Now, let's get to the IMPORTANT STUFF: THE COSTUMES!!! As you may know, I love discussing and reviewing the figure skating costumes here on my "Ice Style" blog so let's get started with my Recap of the 2017 Rostelecom Cup of Russia Costumes: MEN. I will follow with separate blogs on LADIES, PAIRS and ICE DANCE...



MEN:

Nathan Chen of USA: First of all: Nathan is a QUAD wunderkind!! What I am not so impressed with are his costumes. This all black dress shirt and pants look is what he wore as his "costume" for his Short Program to Nemesis by Benjamin Clementine. I get that the music is sweeping, jazzy, modern...so a sleek all black costume is appropriate but...THIS? Nathan looks like...

The WAITSTAFF at a party!! It's not particularly the all black that I have a problem with, if done right, it can be quite beautiful and interesting...take a look at these examples:

BETTER: (L to R) Jeremy Abbott at 2011 Cup of China, Evan Lysacek at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, Max Aaron and his "Carmen" costume at 2013 US Championships--Nathan doesn't have to look like the "hired help" at a party. Just saying.

Free Skate to Mao's Last Dancer (soundtrack) by Christopher Gordon: And kids, it didn't get any better for his Free Skate costume. An indigo blue colored dress shirt (Oh, what a shock!! Color!!). The music is this sweeping score from the film depicting a ballet life of Li Cunxin taken from his early life in rural China to end up defecting to the US. Even the "costume" in the movie's poster is more exciting:

I REALLY REALLY HOPE that these are just "in transition" looks and that his REAL COSTUMES are being made as I type this. PLEASE I hope I am right! I am in AWE of Nathan Chen's multi-quads. His "costumes" leave A LOT to be desired.

Mikhail Kolyada of Russia: Russia's Kolyada skated his Short program to Piano Concerto No. 23 in A Major by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Tango. I loved this. Now, this is something I wished Nathan would have worn. It was sleek, fit him well and had enough "costume" excitement but not too much. 

Free Skate to Steamroller Blues, Can't Help Falling In Love, Rip It Up by Elvis Presley--Mikhail did Elvis proud with an interpretation of one of his famous costume looks (seen above from his 1972 concert). I liked the details, the obvious homage to the original costume with the front torso details. This was another nice costume for the young Russian.

Denis Ten of Kazakhstan: Denis skated his Short Program Tu Sei by Vittorio Grigolo in this look above. The outfit consisted of black pants and a wrap-style white embroidered shirt. It gave hints of a classical opera tenor with a little bit of funky style. I especially liked the caviar beaded-like "thread" applique seen in the lower photo above.

Free Skate to SOS d'un terrain by Dimash Kudaibergen: Denis skated his Free Skate to his famous song done by a fellow Kazakh artist. Ten's costume was a sleek, modern look that included silver sequin embellishments as well as chiffon volants/mini-ruffles. Overall, it was a good costume for the beautiful and deep-meaning song. If there was any critique, I don't think he needed the crystal-detailed waist. Otherwise, it was just fine. 

Grant Hochstein of USA: Grant skated his Free Skate to Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber in this midnight blue costume featuring violet, blue and silver crystals highlighting his upper torso. I liked that this was not so overtly a reference to Phantom and that he didn't have any gimmicky faux mask anywhere... 

The slight peeking of white ruffles gave enough of a nod to the Phantom's blouse (seen on actor Gerard Butler above with director Joel Schumacher in the 2004 movie version ) which was nice.

Misha Ge of Uzbekistan: Misha Ge wore this lilac top and black pants costume for his Free Skate to Meditation (from "Thais") by Jules Massenet. The look was a bit "subdued" from some of Misha's past costume looks but it was lovely. The color added delicacy to his skate and I liked the ruffled sleeve cuffs. I just wish the neckline didn't have that mini panel of nude illusion (WHY??) and I would have rather seen a more plunging neckline. Maybe not Max Aaron plunging but a little more than that above. It seemed a bit "Junior Skater" to me.

Yuzuru Hanyu of Japan: Yuzuru skated his Short Program to Ballade No. 1 by Frederic Chopin. If this sounds familiar, it is because it's almost like "Groundhog's Day: The Figure Skating Edition" when it comes to Hanyu, his Short program AND his costumes. For this 2017-18 Olympic Season, Hanyu has gone back to the same Short Program Music and (almost) the same Costume that he used for the 2014-15, 2015-16 Seasons...

Costume Adjustments: MINOR adjustments to the same costume--(L to R) 2014-15, 2015-2016 and now. The "new & Improved" version includes basically the same ombre-dyed blouson top with crystals but gold beading was added to the mock-neckband. He also used the same gold cummerbund as in the previous season. I think this is kind of lazy costuming if you ask me. It's an OK costume but it would have been WONDERFUL to have seen something COMPLETELY NEW! As a Fashion Designer and costume enthusiast, I selfishly want something NEW and EXCITING!

Free Skate to Seimei (soundtrack) by Shigeru Umebayashi: For his Free Skate, Yuzuru also went back to a previous Free Skate Program from a couple of seasons ago. He also used the (almost) same costume but with minor sequin adjustments. 

Yuzuru Hanyu's costume for his 2015-2016 Season Free Skate

Once again, I liked the original (above photo), especially with the music but I am just baffled why he didn't just have a BRAND NEW design and style made??!! We all know he has the MILLIONS to get it done so why??!! Maybe he is superstitious and somehow feels that he should wear the same (or almost the same) to bring him luck??? Who knows...

I know that I probably would have rather seen him in a cute Pooh Bear Costume instead...or this fab little stretch velvet number on this darling little Russian boy!

UP NEXT: The LADIES COSTUMES REVIEW of the 2017 Rostelecom Cup of Russia!

FIDM MUSEUM....."Fashion Philanthropy" Exhibition, from The Linda & Steven Plochocki Collection

FIDM MUSEUM....."Fashion Philanthropy" Exhibition, from The Linda & Steven Plochocki Collection

Golden Dress: A Boue Soeurs Paris France Silk Tulle and Silk Satin "Presentation Dress"--The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection Exhibition FIDM Museum, Downtown Los Angeles

Even though the 11th Annual Art of Television Costume Design Exhibition closed earlier this month, if you are a FASHION COUTURE ENTHUSIAST, you still have plenty of time to swing by the FIDM Museum in Downtown Los Angeles to enjoy the beautiful "Fashion Philanthropy: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection".

           The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection Exhibition FIDM Museum, Downtown Los                                                                                     Angeles



The Exhibition showcases collected, purchased and donated items--both garments and accessories--from the Plochocki's collection, and explores Linda's fascination with all things floral and embroidered. In addition to 19th and 20th century pieces, the show also highlights contemporary designs by Prada, Valentino, Alexander McQueen, and Raf Simons for Christian Dior. FIDM Museum Creative Director Peter Lam's hand-crafted paper flowers adorn the walls and accentuate the blush and grey color scheme. 

Linda and Steven Plochocki (Center), with Barbara Bundy (Far left) FIDM Museum Director and Vice President of Education and Tonian Hohberg, President of FIDM--Fashion Philanthropy: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection at FIDM Museum, Downtown Los Angeles

Here are some photos of the GLORIOUS COUTURE on display:

Couture Garden: Historical Ladies Garments from the Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection--on display at "Fashion Philanthropy Exhibition: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection" FIDM Museum, Downtown Los Angeles

(Left to right): Evening Dress c. 1837-40 evening dress of silk brocade and a 1908 "Afternoon Gown" of gray silk satin and silk chiffon trimmed with embroidered silk flowers from "Liberty and Company" LTD London...

The front bodice of the 1908 "Afternoon Gown" simulates a jacket as seen in the close-up above--"Fashion Philanthropy: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection" Exhibition FIDM Museum, Downtown Los Angeles

Chic Debutante: A 1928 presentation dress worn by Miss Sallie Bell Gaston at the Dallas Country Club. Made by Boué Souers in Paris. The dress is of silk tulle, silk satin, lamé, metallic floss and silk ribbon embroidery--"Fashion Philanthropy: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection" Exhibition FIDM Museum, Downtown Los Angeles

Glam Winter Coat: Charles Worth c. 1885 silk velvet brocade coat, trimmed in sable--"Fashion Philanthropy: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection" Exhibition FIDM Museum, Downtown Los Angeles

Pouffed & Cinched: A jacket-bodice c. 1898 by Jaques Doucet. Iridescent silk taffeta, silk chiffon, silk satin ribbon, silk lace, and silk chenille (notice how TEENY-TINY the wearer must have been back in that era)---"Fashion Philanthropy: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection" Exhibition FIDM Museum, Downtown Los Angeles

Asiana Fab: Andrienne Landau velvet & fur coat, c. 2000--"Fashion Philanthropy: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection" Exhibition FIDM Museum, Downtown Los Angeles

Raining Flowers: Raf Simons for Dior Spring/Summer 2016 coat/parka--"Fashion Philanthropy: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection" Exhibition FIDM Museum, Downtown Los Angeles

Alta Moda: 1965 Valentino Garavani silk crepe coat with glass beads, rhinestones, metallic and silk thread and synthetic raffia--"Fashion Philanthropy: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection" Exhibition FIDM Museum, Downtown Los Angeles

Nuptials Couture: Wedding Gown c. 1878 by Emile Pingat made of silk faille, netting, chiffon, floss, satin, cotton and lace. Orange blossoms made of colored wax detail the gown. The dress is 139 YEARS OLD and in PERFECT CONDITION; better than some of my NIKOLAKI gowns that are worn on the red carpet after one night's event!--"Fashion Philanthropy: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection" Exhibition FIDM Museum, Downtown Los Angeles

Here are the DETAILS of the fabulous exhibition:

WHAT: Fashion Philanthropy: The Linda and Steven Plochocki Collection 



WHEN: Runs through December 22, 2017



WHERE: FIDM Museum & Galleries 

                919 South Grand Avenue, Ground Floor 

                Los Angeles California 90015

                Entrance on Grand Hope Park side



COST: FREE!

Men's Denim Jacket Style Guide

Men's Denim Jacket Style Guide

No man’s wardrobe would be complete without a classic denim jacket.If you want to be stylish and comfortable in your denim jacket then this is the perfect guide for you. Whether you decide to wear it as a rugged mid-layer during the depths of the winter or as a lightweight top layer in the spring, there’s no denying both the versatile practicality of the denim jacket.

How to Wear a Denim Jacket

Casual

It’s the style you’ll probably find yourself using most often, wearing a denim jacket casually is one of the easiest ways to look good. Picking a neutral colour and design is a good idea as it’s more likely to go with a range of outfits. Pair it with black joggers and a plain T-Shirt for a stylish but unfussy look.

Combining  it with a pair of chinos is another easy way to get the most out of your jacket. It’s hard to think that anyone wouldn’t be able to emulate this outfit, most of you will have a pair of chinos and a plain white tee handy – combine them with a denim jacket and you’ve created a relaxed image.
striped joggers denim jacket mens street style

Smart Casual

It’s a phrase that can stress out anyone who has no clue what they should be wearing, smart casual should never be difficult when you have a denim jacket to hand. If you’re considering a smarter look you might want to think about going for a darker shade, as it can add a sense of sophistication to your outfit.

Despite its seemingly relaxed style, the denim jacket straddles the line between smart and casual perfectly. Wearing a shirt and tie underneath is a simple way to smarten up your outfit without having to put in too much effort.

Double Denim

This combination has got a bad reputation, mainly down to it’s checkered past with celebrities wearing it badly. Fortunately, it’s time to reclaim double denim, so don’t be afraid of this style and make the most of a look that’s ridiculously easy to put together. The outfit below shows how good double denim can appear when it’s done right. The selvedge jeans look smart with the jacket. Pair with some brown shoes and you’ve got an outfit that is easy and impressive.

What to Wear with a Denim Jacket for Men

Shirts

Depending on the situation, the type of shirt you should combine with a denim jacket can change. If you’re going for a formal look then a white dress shirt can work nicely. On the other hand, if you’re keeping it cool and casual in summer, wearing a plain T-shirt underneath is easy to pull off.
Trousers

Although double denim can work, it’s also a nice opportunity to bring some contrast and balance to your outfit. If you’re wearing a blue jacket, why not pair it with some black jeans? If you want a more casual look then joggers are a nice alternative. Chinos work for a more formal style as well.

Footwear

Their versatility is what makes denim jackets such a great piece of men’s fashion. Depending on the style of outfit you’re going for, you can combine it with any number of shoe styles. For a classic casual look, the iconic Converse Chuck Taylor high top is a perfect companion. Try some desert boots or leather shoes for a more formal ensemble.

Accessories

Wearing a hat might not be for everyone, but accessories like these are one of the best ways to make your outfit more impressive. It shows you’ve put some thought into what you’re wearing and you care about how you look, which is always a good thing.