Prom King and Queens--Nick Verreos on KNBC "Today In LA: Weekend" News Program: The Recap!

Prom King and Queens--Nick Verreos on KNBC "Today In LA: Weekend" News Program: The Recap!

Prom Perfect!

Peacock Prince: Nick Verreos, NBC-LA Studios Burbank California

This past Sunday, I did a fun and very FABULOUS TV segment on KNBC-LA, Channel 4 "Today in LA: Weekend" News Show. It was ALL ABOUT Prom Dressing! Yes, kiddies, it's "Prom Season" and I, your faithful Style Guy, is here to show all the lovely Prom Princesses--how to get the best deals in Prom Fashion--via the FIDM Scholarship Store.

On TV: Nick Verreos on KNBC "Today In LA: Weekend" News Show, Prom Dresses TV Segment

As you know, I am the Official Spokesperson for the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM (as well as an Instructor and Alumn) and when I found out that the FAB FIDM Scholarship Store had a whole lot of new Prom Dress options donated by TOP DESIGNERS, well, I just had to "Shout it to the LA TV World"!

Prom Color Kings: KNBC-LA Anchor Ted Chen and Nick Verreos, "Today In LA: Weekend" Studio

On Sunday, I filmed a LIVE "Prom Dress" TV segment with Anchor Ted Chen, who--by the way --was looking very "Nick" in his bright turquoise blue shirt and striped tie! I showed three Prom Looks--all from the FIDM Scholarship Store and ALL from UNDER $40! In case you didn't know, many Big Name Designers and Manufacturers donate their clothing to the store and then, the store sells them at DEEPLY discounted prices with ALL proceeds creating FIDM student scholarships. So, yes, I LOVE the FIDM Scholarship Store!

I brought three beautiful girls from LA Models Agency to show the looks:

Don't Want To Wear a Dress for The Prom? Then Take a look at this FAB ensemble...

First up was the stunning Aleah--This look I dubbed "The Individualist": This was the perfect option for the girl who doesn't want to go the dress and/or gown option for the Prom. So, I put her in wide-legged black pants, a silver lame top and accessorized the look with fingerless lace gloves and a FAB fascinator.
The Total Look: $19! (Hello!)

Short & Sassy: Model Katie in a purple dress from the FIDM Scholarship Store, KNBC-TV Segment

Katie was the next model, and I put her in a "Short & Sassy" purple party dress with side shirring and cascading ruffles. Lace fingerless gloves--a la Madonna circa 1985--and a Camelia flower and ribbon hair adornment finished off her look.
The Total Look: $30!!! ( The dress is only $24)

One-Shoulder Prom: Model Kaela in one-shoulder gown from the FIDM Scholarship Store, KNBC-TV Segment

Next, it was all about "Hollywood Red Carpet Glamour". Kaela wore a one-shoulder "Grecian Goddess" mauve-colored side-shirred gown that is priced at only $35!!! This is a big-name designer gown that would retail for $500! (Get OUTTA here!!!)

Prom Queen: Model Martha, wears a gown from the FIDM Scholarship Store, KNBC-TV Segment

Finally, Martha finished off my "Nick Verreos Presents Prom Looks" KNBC-LA segment, showing a baby blue-and-white strapless ball gown that--wait for it--was priced at $24! Not kidding. Of course, I styled her on the "funky side"...

And gave her red Converse "Chucks" high-tops, so she would be that "funky" Prom Princess!!! I was inspired by Academy Award-nominated actress Hailee Steinfeld from "True Grit" who showed up to the Vanity Fair Party wearing her Custom Marchesa tea-length gown---and her Converse "Chucks". Thanks Hailee (or her stylist) for that inspiration!

All in all, it was a fabulous segment and it was great to have the opportunity to show these four very chic--but still "budget-priced"-- Prom Looks, just in time for Prom Season. Mommies and daughters: Get thee to the FIDM Scholarship Store and shop shop shop!!!

Hairstyles 2014: Long and Medium Length hair

Hairstyles 2014: Long and Medium Length hair

Crop Tops: NO. CROP. TOPS. Peplums: The peplum was everywhere last year; they were on dresses, shirts and jackets. Worn/Washed Out Jeans: Raw denim in mid-toned blue and the occasional unfinished hem is looming on the fashion horizon for jeans. The high-wasted, butt cheek bearing jean shorts that were so "in" in 2013 will longer be fashion acceptable so throw those OUT.

Cutouts: The revealing cutout details of 2013 dresses have been replaced by sheer fabric. You can switch to dresses or shirts with sheer paneling.

IN

This trend is great for dresses and going out tops. Collared Shirts: The crisp, menswear-inspired dress shirt enjoys a makeover with inventively cool, contrasting color and/or textured collars and cuffs. The fashion-edgy sporty look is coming in a big way in 2014.

An appropriate expression that summarizes the evening fashion trends of 2014 is "elegant luxury." This time designers have been forgetting the color palettes, textures, shapes, pathos in the cuts and all other innovations that remind us of the past seasons. This time they're bringing back the traditional old-fashioned styles.

Deep cuts and open shoulders were chosen as the neck designs for designing the most seductive chest area. Given below are some popular trends that you can expect to see in the designs of evening dresses in 2014:

Vivid and spectacular color choices

Noble and elegant color schemes are the future of fashion in 2014, so they've been used in evening dresses too. Enlightening folds on the dresses

Folds, pleats and drapes are some common designing tactics used in the evening dresses of 2014.

Whether clothing or hairstyles, each new year ushers in new fashion trends.

Hairstyles 2014: Long and Medium Length hair

1. Braids:

You can wear them in umpteen styles - crown braids, cornrows, herringbone or fishtail braids, the school girl braid, the loose messy side braid, the waterfall braid, the braided top knot, the side swept braid etc.

2. The Ponytail:

Ponytails suit almost all face shapes and hold well on all types of hair. Gather your hair in a sleek, high ponytail for a sporty or professional look. 3. Loose Waves:

This 90's inspired hairstyle never seems to go out of fashion. If you have naturally curly hair, play up the curls on your hair. Hairstyles 2014: Short hairstyle

Shorter cuts have several advantages. Short hair is easy to maintain. Short styles make one look younger. Bangs and bobs gel well. Try different types of bangs - fringe, Cleopatra bangs, side swept bangs or asymmetrical bangs.

If we take a look at what designers have prepared for the prom dresses of 2014 then we find that the prom trends of next year seem to be the formalwear interpretations of street style and high-end fashion. Many celebrities like Selena Gomez, Vanessa Gomez, Chloe Moretz and Carly Rae Jepsen sparked these fashion trends this year by wearing such dresses at premiers and award ceremonies. Some most notable trends are being mentioned below:

Peplum: Over the course of last few months Peplum has exploded in the market of prom dresses. Peplum skirts, tops and other dresses are available at almost all locations and for all budgets. A highly notable trend in the lace designs is that they're being used as striking designs this time. Brighter hues: Brighter is better for prom dresses in 2014. Generally colored dresses used to dominate the space of prom dresses but this time designers have been shifting to the neon hued designs. The most awesome thing about this trend is that it can be easily combined with other trends (i.e. peplum or lace) for making an outstanding prom dress.

The rise of High-Low: This trend gives designers an opportunity to innovate with multiple colors, prints and design trends. You can find ombre everywhere - from nail polishes to hairstyles to prom dresses. Short dresses with sheer overlay: If you want to loo

k sexy on that prom night then this trend is coming out just for you. Dresses like these look like a combination of gown and party dress.

While each colour body and/or manufacturer has at least one dominant neutral colour scheme within their 2014 trend palettes, colour definitely comes into play.

Colours remain bright, bold and playful, which is a continuation - and furtherance - of current trends. a melding of both vibrant and deep hues... intertwined in intriguingly inventive colour combinations

Watery palettes, combining multiples shades of greens and blues, will no doubt be a favorite. With all the agates and high-sheen finishes seen at High Point, expect blue to sparkle.

• It is refreshing to see in a New Year and witness the changing fashion seasons. Floral Patterns- A daunting concept for some of the more macho men but floral patterns seem to be making a huge impact on men's fashion. Colours- For the quiet and reserved gentleman, bright colours may seem a little much but this season they are set to be vital in the world of fashion.

Prom Season 2011: Nick Verreos In-Store Appearance at FIDM Scholarship Store!

Prom Season 2011: Nick Verreos In-Store Appearance at FIDM Scholarship Store!

Prom Dress Central!

Good Morning Prom Girls: Nick Verreos poses in front of the FIDM Scholarship Store, Downtown LA 9th & Grand

Tuesdays are usually my Teaching Days and last Tuesday was no exception at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. However, I also had an extra job to do that morning prior to my classes: I was scheduled to make a "Special Appearance" at the school's FIDM Scholarship Store.

The FIDM Scholarship Store is THE shopping destination for Bargain Shopping Fashionistas--As the sign above says: "75% of our store is BELOW $10". MAJAH deals kids! Designers and Manufacturers donate clothing, jewelry, fabric. In fact, I recently donated many many yards of fabric from my NIKOLAKI design company--and all purchases go straight to FIDM Scholarships for the students.

FIDM Scholarship Store: Gowns, gowns and more gowns

And for Prom Season, it's the perfect place for all the lovely "Prom Princesses"--and their Mommies--to shop at. They have an entire section of "Prom" dresses as well as Wedding gowns, cocktail dresses...you name it, it's there (see above photo).

NBC-LA Boys: "Today In LA: Weekend" anchor Ted Chen and Nick Verreos

I did a LIVE TV "Prom Fashion" segment" the Sunday before on KNBC-LA "Today In LA: Weekend" news show with anchor Ted Chen showing under $40 designer prom styles from the FIDM Scholarship Store--all styled and hand-picked by moi--and announced that I would make a special appearance at the store.

Prom Poppa: Nick Verreos with models Martha (left) and Kaela(right), FIDM Scholarship Store

For my special Prom Appearance, I brought along two lovely models, Kaela and Martha from L.A. Models Agency--who also appeared on the TV segment--to show various Prom Dress Styles. They modeled FAB and SASSY styles from short party dresses...

Kaela and Martha, Prom Princesses, wearing styles from the FIDM Scholarship Store

As well as long "Hollywood Red Carpet" gowns and "Glamour" separates--for the Prom Girl who well, wants options other than the typical "Prom Dress".

Where's Nick: Nick Verreos pops his head with a group of visitors from Tennessee, FIDM Scholarship Store

During my visit, I had the wonderful opportunity of meeting a group of students--and their teacher--who came all the way from Tennessee to take a tour of the FIDM Campus--and just happened to come to the FIDM Scholarship Store at the right time...when I was there!!!! they were all soooo CUTE and a bonus: They were all "Project Runway" fans and fans of yours truly (I love that of course!).

Happy Shoppers: Mommie and daughter, FIDM Scholarship Store

Also, while I was there, a lovely Mommie and her statuesque and beautiful daughter came by (her mom had watched my NBC-TV Segment on Sunday and stopped by as a result!) Long story short: The daughter loved one of the gowns we showed on TV, tried it on and it fit PERFECTLY, and well, she BOUGHT IT!

It was a baby blue and white strapless satin Designer "Princess Gown" that retailed for about $250 and was at the FIDM Scholarship Store for under $30! Prom Princess Fashionista Happy Customer!
As I always say "Done and Done". The Prom Fashion Version.

**BONUS: Also...Don't forget to Check out my "Nick Verreos Prom Advice" on FIDM's FashionClub.com Daily Blog. I've written about many different subjects like:

*What to wear for the prom?
*What's In Style?
*Guys: What Should You Wear?
*Prom Couture on a Budget

And much more...

The latest: Tips On How To Take a Good Prom Photo! Click HERE!!!!

CFDA 2016: BEST AND WORST LOOKS FROM THE RED CARPET

CFDA 2016: BEST AND WORST LOOKS FROM THE RED CARPET

On Monday (June 6) A-list fashion designers, editors, actors and models gathered at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City to celebrate this year's top talents in the fashion industry. 

The so called Oscars of fashion, aka CFDA Fashion Awards, finally announced its winners: as we previously wrote Italy took home the International Award thanks to Alessandro Michele’s work at Gucci, while the late David Bowie was honoured with the Tribute Award.

2016 CFDA winners list

Womenswear Designer of the Year

Marc Jacobs

Swarovski Award for Womenswear

Brandon Maxwell

Swarovski Award for Menswear

Orley: Alex Orley, Matthew Orley, Samantha Orley

Swarovski Award for Accessory Design

Paul Andrew

Menswear Designer of the Year

Thom Browne

Accessories Designer of the Year

Mansur Gavriel: Rachel Mansur and Floriana Gavriel

Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award

Norma Kamali

The Founder’s Award in Honor of Eleanor Lambert

Donna Karan

International Award

Gucci: Alessandro Michele

The Board of Directors’ Special Tribute Award

David Bowie

The Media Award in Honor of Eugenia Sheppard

Imran Amed, editor in chief of The Business of Fashion

One of the highlights of the night has to be Diane Von Furstenberg presenting Beyoncé with the Fashion Icon Award: the superstar took the stage in an eye-catching Givenchy outfit and made a touching speech about her family and the power of fashion.

Among the past Fashion Icon honorees we have Rihanna, Pharrell Williams, Johnny Depp, Lady Gaga, Iman, Kate Moss, Sarah Jessica Parker and Nicole Kidman.

Read Beyonce’s full speech:

“I feel so much love and I feel so proud right now. Thank you guys for this incredible honor. As long as I can remember, fashion has always been a part of my life. Its effect on me actually started before I was born. Most of you guys don’t know this but my grandmother was a seamstress. My grandparents did not have enough money and could not afford my mother’s Catholic school tuition, so my grandmother sewed clothes for the priests and the nuns, and made uniforms for the students in exchange for my mother’s education. She then passed this gift down to my mother and taught her how to sew.

When we were starting out in Destiny’s Child, high-end labels didn’t really want to dress four black, country, curvy girls. And we couldn’t afford designer dresses and couture. My mother was rejected from every showroom in New York. But like my grandmother, she used her talent and creativity to giver her children their dreams. My mother and my Uncle Johnny, God bless his soul, designed all of our first costumes and made each piece by hand, individually sewing hundreds of crystals and pearls, putting so much passion and love into ever small detail. When I wore these clothes on stage I felt like Khaleesi. I had an extra suit of armor. It was so much deeper than any brand name.

My mother — who’s so fabulous and beautiful and is here tonight, I love you — my grandmother, and my uncle were always with me so I could not fail. My mother actually designed my wedding dress, my prom dress, my first CFDA Awards dress, my first Grammy dress, and the list goes on and on and this to me is the true power and potential of fashion. It’s a tool for finding your own identity, expression, and strength. It transcends style and is a time capsule of all of our greatest milestones. So to my mother, my uncle, my grandma, thank y’all. Thank you for showing me that having a presence is far more than the clothes you wear and your physical beauty. Thank you for showing me to never take no for an answer. Thank you for showing me how to take risks, work hard, and live life on my own terms.

I want to say thank you to every designer who works tirelessly to make people feel like they can write their own stories. Y’all are fairy godmothers, magicians, sculptors, and sometimes even therapists. I encourage you to not forget this power you have or take it lightly. We have an opportunity to contribute to a society where any girl can look at a billboard or magazine cover and see her own reflection. Soul has no color, no shape, no form. Just like all your work it goes so far beyond what the eyes can see. You have the power to change perception, to inspire and empower, to show people how to embrace their complications and flaws and see the true beauty that’s inside all of us. Thank you so much for this incredible award I’ll never forget this night. Got bless y’all.”

These words are truly inspiring, we appreciate that she took that moment to thank all the people that worked hard to support her career. Isn't this a true Queen? 

Ok, let's not forget the purpose of this article: what about the red carpet?

Best Dressed

Beyoncé in Givenchy

Demure, elegant, classic, costumy...call it as you want it, but this look to us is a win.

We all were expecting the next sheer embellished gown, but Beyoncé surprised all of us in a crystals-embellished Givenchy suit.

The hat is a reminder of the Lemonade's era, as well as a smart advertise for her Formation World Tour.

Fashion as a communication tool: the queen slayed again.

Elsa Hosk in Naeem Khan, Shanina Shaik in Givenchy, Jessica Hart in The Row

Elsa Hosk stole our hearts wearing a custom Naeem Khan gold jumpsuit. 

This look could have easily looked messy, if overstyled: fortunately this is not the case, because at the end of the day it's not simple to deal with net, sheer patterns, metallic emebellishments and fringes at the same time! 

The new Victoria's Secret angel completed her look with statement earrings, light make-up and elegant waves.

Australian beauty Shanina Shaik opted for something less flashy, as she wore a light Givenchy dress. At first sight it felt too simple for the occasion, but it is impossible to not appreciate the proportion, the silhouette, the cuts and drapes of this beautiful design. Shanina styled her outfit with a dainty necklace, which matched the triangular shaped cut-outs of the dress, Tamara Mellon sandals with clear vinyl inserts and a fur Lanvin purse.

Jessica Hart was all about minimal designs last night, as she wore a three piece silk ensemble and Alexandre Birman 'Clarita' velvet sandals. 

Worst Dressed

Taylor Hill in Thakoon, Constance Jablonski in J. Mendel, Adriana Lima in Marc Jacobs

It hurts to see such beautiful women wearing expensive looks that do nothing for their figure: let's get a closer look...

First we have Taylor Hill in what we could easily describe as Granny-chic or Hamish couture: this Thakoon's design definitely needed a bit more drama.

Costance Jablonski seems to have borrowed Taylor's stylist for the night: just another beautiful design...by aprons' standards.

Last but not least one of the most beautiful models in the indutry, Adriana Lima, trapped in a Marc Jacobs suit, that simply does nothing for her bombshell figure.

Written by: Stella & MsD

SAG AWARDS 2016: The Red Carpet

SAG AWARDS 2016: The Red Carpet

The SAG Awards are the second key moment of this awards season, and style-wise a warm-up between the Globes and the Oscars. As the winners of the night rehearse their speeches for their big time at the Oscars, let's have a look at the best (and worst) fashion moments of the night:

STAR OF THE SHOW

Alicia Vikander (The Danish Girl/Ex-Machina) in Louis Vuitton

Bow down to the most beautiful Louis Vuitton dress I have ever seen on a red carpet: simple in the design and dazzling in the details. Swedish actress Alicia Vikander definitely looked like the star she will become. Best look of the night.

BREATH-TAKING

Viola Davis (How To Get Away With Murder) in Zac Posen_Brie Larson (Room) in Atelier Versace Couture

As I always say, "you can never go wrong with a Zac Posen's design" and Viola Devis is another proof of that: the color of the dress is amazing on her skin, the feminine shape on the gown enhanced her figure and that smile..well that was the cherry on top! Actress of the year Brie Larson got the couture treatment directly from Atelier Versace, as she wore a couture piece straight from the house's spring 2016 couture collection. The dress proved to have "red carpet" potential on the runway, and I am glad to see how beautiful it looks on Brie. My only side note has to be the shoes: WTF???

SISTERLY LOVE

Kate Mara in Valentino_Rooney Mara in Valentino

The Mara sisters had a Valentino moment on the red carpet. Kate Mara wore a piece from the spring summer 2016 collection, while Rooney Mara opted for a couture piece from the fall winter collection. Same designer, different interpretations: I have to say that Rooney looked regal (even if I wanted to see some major jewellery piece with that gown), while Kate definitely brought some sensuality to her dress. 

SHOCKING PINK

Emilia Clarke (Game Of Thrones) in Dior_Sofia Vergara (Modern Family) in Vera Wang

Only the brave. Emilia Clarke wore the second decent Dior design of this year awards season, while Sofia Vergara (as always) favored a mermaid-like dress: the designs were not original, but the color sealed the deal. 

THE MICHAEL'S ANGELS

Saoirse Ronan (Brooklyn) in Michael Kors_Queen Latifah (Bessie) in Michael Costello

Ok, let's forget the bad title-joke. But I have to admit that Michael Kors and Michael Costello gifted Saoirse Ronan and Queen Latifah with two beautiful elegant and timeless dresses. In both cases the styling was kept to the minimum, I could not agree more.

EYE-CATCHING TOPS

Sarah Paulson (ASH: Hotel) in Armani Privé couture_Kristen Wiig (The Martian) in Roland Mouret

Couture make over also for Sarah Paulson, who turned to Armani to find the perfect dress for the evening. Usually I am not a fan of her on the red carpet, but this time I love the injection of color. Kristen Wiig brought back my love for jumpsuits, wearing a modern number for Roland Mouret. I would wear it in a heart-beat.

YOUNG HOLLYWOOD

Maise Williams (Game Of Thrones) in Ermanno Scervino_Sophie Turner (Game Of Thrones) in Carolina Herrera

This time I am not really impressed by the fashion choices of the two British stars: they looked ready for prom rather than for the red carpet. Maisie Williams wore an Ermanno Scervino's dress, that in my opinion looked too heavy for her petit frame; Sophie Turner was lovely in Carolina Herrera, but she was not memorable. I am a "dress to impress" kind of person, so this is miss for me.

Ariel Winter (Modern Family) in Romona Keveza_Kiernan Shipka (Mad Men) in Erdem_Sarah Hyland (Modern Family) in J Mendel

Keeping up with the young hollywood section we have Ariel Winter in a bombshell attire by Romona Keveza, Kiernan Shipka in a youthful and elegant Erdem design, and Sarah Hyland in a blue J Mendel. Kiernan looked the best, as it was easy to find some flaws in both Ariel and Sarah's styling choises: Ariel's frosty rose lipstick and Sarah's poor hair style were definitely a total let down. 

SPARKLING COUTURE

Julianne Moore in Givenchy Couture_Nicole Kidman in Gucci

This is a hard one: two Hollywood royalties wearing the designs from two major fashion houses...and the result is not that good. Julianne Moore's lime green Givenchy dress was doing nothing for her body; however the color was beautiful on her. As for Nicole Kidman...well, that Gucci number was simply not made for her. Let's start by saying that this is a tricky dress: I could see a younger celebrity rocking it and I can imagine a model wearing it for an editorial, but in my opinion this gown has no red carpet potential, and Nicole dear, that styling is not helping either.

CLASSIC ALLURE

Anna Faris (Mom) in Naeem Khan_Rachel McAdams (Spotlight) in Elie Saab_Marisa Tomei (Empire) in Zuhair Murad couture

I see 3 beautiful dresses that needed a bit more of drama in the styling.
A red pout for Anna Faris and that gorgeous red Naeem Khan gown; a sleek hairstyle and a darker eyeshadow to upgrade Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab. Marisa Tomei disappointed me in the shoe-department and she definitely needed to pay more attention to her hairstyle, if she wanted to match that lovely teal Zuhair Murad.

NOT CONVINCING

Priyanka Chopra (Quantico) in Monique Lhuillier_Laverne Cox (Orange is the New Black) in Prabal Gurung_Eva Longoria (Telenovela) in Julien MacDonald

What do we have here? A bridal gown, a terrible pose and a hot mess. Wow, three beautiful ladies that did not manage to stand out in the crowd: Priyanka Chopra's Monique Lhuillier was a camouflage bridal gown; Laverne Cox was actually wearing a nice Prabal Gurung, but she killed off all the magic with that questionable pose; Eva Longoria  basically wore a dress that was meant for a taller person, and despite the fitting it is still very clear. BTW that hair style is a NO.

TOO MUCH FABRIC

Christina Hendricks (Mad Men) in Christian Siriano_Sola Bamis (Mad Men) in Lola Wusu

Usually I appreciate a bit of drama on the red carpet, but not in this case. One of the basic rules in fashion is to make sure that your client looks smoking hot in your design, and I dare you all to say that Christian Siriano or Lola Wusu accomplished that request. Sola Bamis should fire her stylist, while Christina Hendricks could have upgraded her dress with a pair of scissors: that piece of fabric on the shoulder was pointless. Chop it off next time! 

SKIN SKIN SKIN

Susan Sarandon in Max Mara_Eva Amurri in Gabriela Cadena_Kaley Cuoco (The Big Bang Theory) in Romona Keveza

Where should I begin? Susan Sarandon should have worn a white corset under that Max Mara tuxedo, and those pants needed to reach the floor. I do not have much to say about the Gabriela Cadena dress that Eva Amurri wore, if not "burn it". Kaley Cuoco dress could have been a good choice for the Grammys, but that sheer panel that does not match her skin-tone is a let down. Next.

Written by: Stella

WHO WORE WHAT?.....Cannes Film Festival 2017 Day 1-3: Top 10 Best Dressed

WHO WORE WHAT?.....Cannes Film Festival 2017 Day 1-3: Top 10 Best Dressed

Belle of the Cannes Ball: Bollywood Diva and former Miss World Aishwarya Rai Bachchan at 2017 Cannes Film Festival Red Carpet "Okja" Screening, Cannes Frances

This week is the 70th Annual Cannes Film Festival and you know what that means: RED CARPET FABULOUSNESS!!!! The Cannes Film Festival--and its very long red carpet--has always been a Fashion Extravaganza--but lately, in the last few years with the advent of Victoria's Secret Supermodels and random international actresses/fashion influencers, the Cannes Red Carpet has become the equivalent of the Academy Awards-meets-The Met Ball when it comes to Couture. Maybe there's something about being in the South of France...or that it is after all, Cannes, but...it has gotten the reputation of being a Red Carpet Heaven when it comes to actresses/models displaying extraordinary style.

Prom Queens: Dakota Fanning in Vivienne Westwood Couture, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan in Michael Cinco Couture and Araya A. Hargate in Olivier Theyskens--70th Annual Cannes Film Festival Red Carpet, Cannes France

For this 70th edition of the Cannes Film Festival, there seems to be a main Style Trend: 90's Prom-a-Licious. Lots of BIG BALLGOWNS, lots of late 80's/early 90's silhouettes, lots of POUF's (where's Christian Lacroix when you really need him??) long gloves and Prom-like necklaces. Here are my Top Ten Red Carpet Goddesses of Day 1-3:

Aishwayra Rai Bachchan in Michael Cinco Fall 2017: Aishwarya Rai Bachchan dropped the COUTURE Mic with this stunning baby blue silk organza/applique gown from Dubai-based Filipino designer Michael Cinco and his Michael Cinco Couture Fall/Winter 2017 "Infanta Maria Theresa" collection...

Gown Fab: If there was ever a moment to wear this--and wear it for free (as opposed to the $100,000+ it probably costs to order it!), it would be the Cannes Film Festival so...Kudos to Aishwarya and her Stylist for choosing this for her. #Love

Deepika Padukone in Brandon Maxwell: Styled by  A-list celebrity stylist Elizabeth Salzman (who styles Gwenyth Paltrow and Uma Thurman), Denmark-born Bollywood Indian actress and L'Oreal Global Ambassador Deepika Padukone, wore this green gown from Lady Gaga favorite designer Brandon Maxwell on Day 2 of the 2017 Cannes Film Festival. The one shoulder gown was daring, sexy and column fabulous, featuring a high side-front slit opening, and beautiful back drape "fall" detail. One of the BEST LOOKS from 2017 Cannes Days 1-3.

Araya A. Hargate in Olivier Theyskens Spring 2017: British-Thai actress--and recent Red Carpet Darling--Araya A "Chompoo" Hargate, was very much on the 90's prom Trend Vibe when she delighted the 2017 Cannes Red Carpet Paparazzi in this black strapless gown from French designer Olivier Theyskens--formerly of Nina Ricci,  Rochas and Theory. He has his own namesake line now and Araya seems to be the perfect muse for it--at least for one day at Cannes. I thought she looked quite elegant, sexy and 90's Prom Retro--the gloves, the shape of the gown...the necklace...it was all On-Trend!

Araya A. "Chompoo" Hargate in Ralph & Russo Spring 2017 Couture: Araya landed in my Top Favorite 2017 Cannes Red Carpet Looks of Day 1-3 TWICE, and here's my second pick--this look of a white gown with white silk cape covered with crystals and ostrich feathers--from British design line Ralph & Russo and their Spring 2017 Couture collection. She's got a bit of a baby bump and looked quite beautiful and dare I say sexy-appropriate! Love the Cannes Drama of that cape. This is how you show up to Cannes darlings!

Sara Sampaio in Zuhair Murad Spring 2017: Portuguese model--and Victoria's Secret Angel--Sara Sampaio--dazzled at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival in one of my favorite gowns so far--this fire-red design from Lebanese couturier Zuhair Murad and his Spring/Summer 2017 Couture collection. The ballgown featured "fireworks"-like hand sewn sequins over a silk organza and crinoline tulle base with a full A-line shape skirt and semi-plunging neckline. As you can see, the silk satin draped waist piece was removed and I think that was a good idea!

Fan Bingbing in Elie Saab Spring 2017 Couture: Next up on my Day 1-3 2017 Cannes Red Carpet Favorite Looks is this blue gown worn by Chinese actress and Fashion Diva Fan Bingbing. The gown is from Lebanese fashion designer Elie Saab and his Spring/Summer 2017 Couture collection. I absolutely love this dress; the delicate torso hand pleating is gorgeous as well as the soft yet drama-fab look of the attached gathered neckline cape. She looks like the Empress of a country...at a black tie official dinner event! 

Elle Fanning in Vivienne Westwood Couture: Actress and one of the newest L'Oreal Brand Ambassadors Elle Fanning, looked marvelous and so on the 90's Prom Fab Trend with this white strapless ballgown from Vievienne Westwood Couture. The gown was custom-made for her and the artwork was hand painted, naturally.  Westwood's team said that it took 10 people to work on the dress and it took more than 300 hours to finish over the course of ten days. It was very pretty and so Grace Kelly-at-Cannes-like...for the 21st Century.

Julianne Moore in Givenchy Couture: American actress Julianne Moore looked like a modern fashion Diva, in this red gown from Givenchy Couture Spring/Summer 2017 that she wore for the 2017 Cannes Opening Night Gala and "Ismael's Ghosts" (Les Fantômes d’Ismaël) Screening. The gown--in its original form--was in a light peach color, but for Julianne , it was created in a strong Red Carpet RED! The dress featured hand applied feathered applique and if you look closely, she was wearing matching silk lace pants under it. I loved it! It was directional, fashion-fab and unique, in a good way! Moore would probably have never worn something like this in the U.S. (too "out there" for that market!) but I give her points for "going there" in Cannes France.

Uma Thurman in Atelier Versace Fall 2016: What U.S. actress Uma Thurman is wearing on the 70th Annual Cannes Film Festival Opening Night "Ismael's Ghosts (Les Fantômes d’Ismaël)" Screening Gala is my 9th favorite Red Carpet look of 2017 Cannes Film Festival Day 1-3. Thurman chose a pink body-hugging gown from Atelier Versace Fall/Winter 2016 collection. The pleated drape across her off-the-shoulder neckline was exquisite as well as in the front of the dress. The gown was fitted to a 1/4" of her life! She looked DIVINE!

Lily Collins in Johanna Ortiz Spring 2017: Lastly, I wanted to give "2017 Cannes Red Carpet Props" to the beautiful Lily Collins in this chic and fashion-forward ensemble from designer Johanna Ortiz which she wore for the "Okja" photocall in Cannes. Colombian designer Ortiz is known for her "Oscar de la Renta"-like poufs and ruffles and I absolutely loved this striped top and sequined pencil skirt outfit on the lovely Lily Collins at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival. She dazzled and looked Muy Chic!