FASHION BY THE RULES: FLOTUS / OLIGOVILLE

FASHION BY THE RULES: FLOTUS / OLIGOVILLE

Jason Wu, Thakoon, Alaia, Naeem Khan, Isabel Toledo, Narciso Rodriguez, Issac, Donna Ricco, Moschino, and J.Crew have been linked to The First Lady of The United States. Michelle Obama has single handedly restored glamour and fashion to the White House, to Washington D.C. and with it some of the home grown fashion talent from New York and her hometown of Chicago.



With her statuesque carriage and with extreme grace and charm, she has certainly made the fashion community take notice. I applaud her daring and varied choices while I can honestly shake my head at others. Mrs. Obama is far from a model type body but makes up for it with her height, bravado and her unconventional tastes. As we have seen, she is a fierce supporter of sleeveless tops and dresses as well as fitted waists and she does love her accessories.



Another thing we have noticed is that she certainly is not shy when it comes to designer names………….and by no means does she confine her choices to designer names that are well known or even on the lips of the most seasoned fashion addict. She has certainly let it be known that she will wear what she pleases and will buck no interference from her critics or any fashion types. I believe that her sartorial choices are greatly influenced only by Ikram Goldman and from her eponymous store in Chicago. Ms. Goldman has obviously been extremely helpful in shaping the image of Mrs. Obama and to very favorable opinion.



I would only suggest a couple of things that might enhance her overall look and the biggest would be to lose the belt. Her love of “the belt” does her a great disservice as she is very short waisted and constantly makes her waist appear to right under her chest. One of the other ideas I have so that when she wears a fitted sheath dress, the color should not be too bright since she, like most women who have had children, is a bit broad in the beam and she does have a butt………..all of which is fine except she must leave a room or a stage as well as enter.



Even with these minor flaws, I find her to be refreshingly non self conscious and with a great flair for her presentation as First Lady. Give me one Michelle every 4 years and then we might be known as country with good taste.

TRENDS + SKETCH INSPIRATION // MOD 60'S

TRENDS + SKETCH INSPIRATION // MOD 60'S

We are thrilled to announce the relaunch and our collaboration with SnapFashun®, the innovative fashion design tool,  new branding and dynamic website.  The release of its new look and improved online experience marks a new chapter for  SnapFashun, with additional platform updates to follow in the first half of 2015.


WHAT IS IT? 

SnapFashun is a design tool that allows designers, merchandisers, home sewers, students and fashionistas to effortlessly convert their creative vision into virtual garments. The tool is equipped with the world’s most expansive fashion vector libraries comprising over 20,000 sketches. SnapFashun’s libraries can generate a limitless array of design possibilities encompassing a multitude of GARMENT TRIMS AND DETAILS THAT CAN BE ‘SNAPPED’ TOGETHER, manipulated, altered and resized in a manner that allows users to EFFICIENTLY CREATE THEIR OWN CUSTOM FASHION DESIGNS. This unique platform is leveraged by a growing community of students, educational institutions, home sewers and design professionals worldwide. SnapFashun sketches can bedownloaded to any computer running Adobe Illustrator® or similar programs so that designers and students alike can rapidly develop their own designs for portfolios, trend boards, line sheets, pattern cards and concept boards.


Below are a few of their black and white flat sketches of MOD 60's dresses from their library we incorporated in our mood board for this trend, inspiration from Valentino's Fall 14 season.  

WHY IS IT BETTER? 

SnapFashun has been recognized for its ease of manipulation, its intuitive navigation and the efficiency in generating articulate design details. “SnapFashun is truly easy-to-learn and makes the design process effortless – even for those with no previous design training. With the tool’s rebranding, an optimized website and a new explanatory video; we are delivering a true visually compelling application. Fromthis point onwards, we are committed to continuous enhancement of our platform in order to increase the application’s reach”, says Howard Glazer, President at SnapFashun.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? 

As of today, the new website can be accessed internationally. Users will have the opportunity to subscribe to the full library of design sketches for a monthly fee of $9.99 usd. Through individual, corporate, and academic subscriptions, members can access the snapfashun.com expansive library offashion sketches in order to deliver on their creative vision.

To subscribe to their library of sketches, go here to sign up now and to learn more.

WHERE IS IT HEADED? 

In early 2015, SnapFashun will be releasing a major update to its adobe illustrator® storage and retrieval plug-in specifically geared towards educational institutions. There are already several dozen high schools, colleges and universities that use the SnapFashun plug-in and the number is anticipated to grow significantly in 2015 with the new updates. The bundled SnapFashun plug-in libraries include garment details including, trims, zippers, buttons, appliqués and more that can be ‘snapped’ together, manipulated, altered and resized, so students can quickly develop their own designs and portfolios. SnapFashun also facilitates learning both Adobe Illustrator® skills as well as the correct names of fashion details and silhouettes, providing students with the verbal and technical skills required to work in the industry.

MET GALA 2016 : THE RED CARPET

MET GALA 2016 : THE RED CARPET

The first Monday of May marks an important date for the fashion industry: the annual Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala. The fanciest red carpet of the year, where guests (all personally invited by Vogue’s editor Anna Wintour, and wealthy enough to pay $25,000 for an individual ticket) are expected to dress according to a theme, that  traditionally reflects the latest luxurious exhibit of the Costume Institute. 

This year theme/exhibit is called “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology”. An ambitious project aimed to explore the blurring line between handmade fashion and machine-made fashion: a tribute to the technological evolution of the fashion industry.

Therefore it is no surprise to see Apple as a sponsor of the event. 

Honorary chairs have been reserved to Karl Lagerfeld, Miuccia Prada and Nicolas Ghesquière; the host of the night was of course Anna Wintour, while this year’s co-hosts happened to be Apple's chief design officer Jonathan Ive, Taylor Swift and Idris Elba. 

All the biggest names in fashion and Hollywood gathered together in New York to strut on the red carpet, but who was the queen of the night? Which designer managed to stand out in the crowd? Any worst dressed?

Watch out stars & designers: if the dress is bad we would tell it!

Mark my words, because this is the most brutally honest review you will find on the internet: at #TEB we do not care about famous names or brands’ reputations, no one paid us to feature a specific opinion, so take a seat because it is going to be fun...

LITERAL HOMAGE TO THE THEME

Claire Danes in Zac Posen

To everyone thinking "so what, isn't this a typical Posen's design", well shut up. 

It glows in the dark!! 

Genius idea and amazing tailoring: Posen is definitely the go-to-designer when it comes to the MET.

Isn't this the look of the year?

BEST LOOKS OF THE NIGHT

Beyoncé in Givenchy

As you know I wasn't a fan of her naked "gown" last year, because to me it had nothing to do with the particular theme of the night. However I can't say the same about this year's latex number: I love it. It's daring, as her character, and might not feel comfortable, but the design is exquisite in my eyes. However let me state a fact: this is definitely one of those dresses that works only on specific people. Definitely not for everyone.

Zendaya in Michael Kors

This look oozes luxury from every angle: the design feels old school but the embellishment is a modern touch. The styling? A show-stopper.

Sienna Miller in Gucci

Given the night's theme, I was wondering how Gucci would have perfomed...Well, looking at this metallic gown on Sienna I would say: so good.

Katy Perry in Prada

Costumy, I agee. Especially the styling, but can we talk about the dress? It fits the theme to the bone.

Kate Hudson in Versace

As you will witness through this review, this will happen to be the only decent Versace gown of the entire event. Trust me.

Back to the dress, I like the construction and how it fits Kate, althought the styling could have been more dramatic.

Olivia Wilde in Michael Kors

Maternity style with an edge. Definitely old school in the design, but still a good choice for the gala.

Nicole Kidman in Alexander McQueen

Finally Ms Kidman wears something we can all agree on liking. Pure elegance.

OFF TOPIC, BUT STILL GOOD

Blake Lively in Burberry

It took me a while to appreciate this: the cape brings on all the drama, but was it enough? The handcraft was beautiful, indeed this blush pink silk-organza design counts hand-dyed and sewn perspex petals. However I didn't feel the futuristic vibe.

Nina Dobrev in Marchesa

A cute and elegant look. I am sure that at a closer look the embellishment would feel amazing, however with no 'wow effects' à la Zac Posen, this gown seems more appropriate for a 'Gone with the wind' revival.

Jessica Chastain in Prada

No sign of future, just classic yet exquisite details. Besides I still have to find a blue gown that doesn't do justice to Jessica's beauty.

Lea Seydoux in Louis Vuitton

The French actress made her official debut on the MET's red carpet wearing as expected a Louis Vuitton design, as she was recently announced as the new face of the historical brand.

However, I don't even know if we can consider this a gala-worthy look, though Lea oozes class and mistery. Besides, note that this is the only decent Louis Vuitton outfit of the night.

Emily Blunt in Michael Kors

How many times have we seen this design? Many. 

Luckily for Michael Kors, I am one of those who never gets tired to see it on a red red carpet.

Kate Bosworth in Dolce&Gabbana

A highly embellished look, no doubt, but I only like it from the waist-up.

Zoey Deutch in Dolce&Gabbana

A good living advertise for Dolce&Gabbana: out of theme, but it is impossible to call this not gala-worthy.

Zoe Saldana in Dolce&Gabbana

And the "Longest train award" goes to...Zoe!

Something tells me that with a shorter train, I wouldn't have paid attention to this look: not a fan, I know how to prise a drama-queen when I see one.

DID ANYONE PAY YOU TO WEAR THIS?

Taylor Swift in Louis Vuitton

So Anna Wintour spent Vogue's money to give Taylor Swift an extreme makeover, the May cover of the magazine, the title of co-host at the 2016 Met Gala...and a dress perfect for the VMA?

Not Impressed.

Kim Kardashian & Kanye West in Balmain

This Balmain/Kardashian/Jenner/West affair should come to an end. I am sure that MsD would have used more flattering words to describe this circus, I will try to emulate her.

Why forcing the styling that far? To keep the focus off the clothes?

Blue contacts, a questionable make up and denim on the MET gala's red carpet: reconsider your crush on Balmain, because ther is nothing appealing here.

Kylie Jenner in Balmain

A thousand times better than Kim Kardashian, but still plain.

Plus, the entire presentation aged this young girl of ten years.

Dakota Johnson in Gucci

Dakota Johnson and the new wave of Gucci designs are a match made in heaven...but not this time, and especially with futuristic theme.

Lupita Nyong'o in Calvin Klein

The dress is nothing special, even if I like the color on her skin. The hair represent a desperate move to make the dress feel relevant.

Emma Stone in Prada

This is a hard one, because everything looks beautiful, but I can't help myself from seeing this as a last minute design-idea. 

FKA Twigs in Versace

I would have never told that this was a Donatella Versace design...because basically there is no actual design, just ideas badly mixed together.

Saoirse Ronan in Christopher Kane

Ok those fluffy feathers are giving me nightmares...especially those on the hem. Christopher Kane would never be on my favourites list. 

Ciara in H&M

A questionable retro/goth styled wig and a nude tent. Nice catch CiCi.

Hailee Steinfeld in H&M

The styling is so cheap that it hurts, while the dress couldn't be less predictable.

Sarah Jessica Parker in Monse

As soon as I got a glimpse at SJP look I thought I was looking at a vintage red carpet photo. No way that this could be a recent red carpet look from the American actress. I was wrong. 

I have never thought that I would say this one day, but Sarah Jessica Parker totaly failed a Met Gala's theme.

Alicia Vikander in Louis Vuitton

I like Alicia Vikander for Louis Vuitton, but after seeing her awards season look, this one feels like a joke. 

It fits the theme, but not the gala.

NO

Selena Gomez in Louis Vuitton

Let's close the discussion on Louis Vuitton with the worst look ever presented at the gala. I am so sorry that Selena was the one choosen to wear it.

Kristen Stewart in Chanel

I would never understand Chanel's fascination for Kristen Stewart...

Kerry Washington in Marc Jacobs

I would love to copy and paste what I wrote about Sarah Jessica Parker here.

How could anyone style a beautiful pregnant woman like this?

Emma Watson in Calvin Klein

Emma Watson is known for her tastefull yet modern fashion sense. This time I feel like we are not ready to understand and appreciate this outfit.

It is just ugly.

Rachel McAdams in Valentino haute couture

I don't know how a Valentino design could be featured among the worst looks of the night. 

However there is nothing remotely appealing about this dress.

Rita Ora in Vera Wang

Among my few certainties in life comes Rita Ora featured in - as usual - the worst dressed list.

The girl has definitely a talent...

Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen in The Row

Should I really comment this?

Nicki Minaj in custom Moschino

Custom made: when a designer manufactures a one of a kind look for the customer.

In the fashion industry this is a form of respect and esteem to the client by the designer.

The problem is when the designer is called Jeremy Scott...

Zayn Malik in Versace

The most ridiculous man suit I have ever seen.

He might be Gigi's boyfriend, but doesn't he look like an accessory to his plus-one?

Lady Gaga in Versace

Let me resume the Versace's styling crescendo: Kate Hudson, FKA Twigs, Zayn Malik and now Lady Gaga.

Wow.

Madonna in Givenchy

For those who "Madonna will be always ahead of Lady Gaga", you are right.

written by: Stella

Coming up on #TEB

THE MET GALA's RED CARPET CONTINUES: 

WHAT DID THE MODELS WEAR? 

CFDA/VOGUE FASHION FUND AWARDS 2015 : The Red Carpet

CFDA/VOGUE FASHION FUND AWARDS 2015 : The Red Carpet

The CFDA’s events are definitely a must in your agenda…if you want to play a role in the fashion world. The guest list for the 12th annual CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards, held at Spring Studios on Monday (November 2) in New York City, counted some of Hollywood’s favourite celebrities, fashionistas, designers, models and singers. 

Let’s take a look at who shined on the red carpet!

BEST DRESSED

Maria Borges in Prabal Gurung

CONFIDENCE IS EVERYTHING

When a dress has a busy design, confidence is all you got to make it look right...or at least fashion-forward.

Zendaya in Thakoon dress and Brother Vellies shoes; Aurora James in Gucci and Brother Vellies shoes; TK Wonder in Ohne Titel.

KEEP YOUR ANGEL CLOSE

These two designers know how look good at a party: just showcase your design on a Victoria's Secret angel with you.

Taylor Hill in Johnathan Simkhai ; Elsa Hosk in Tanya Taylor

HEY SEXY LADY

Crop tops, sheer panels, cut-out and plunging necklines: these top models definitely managed to keep it classy. 

Chanel Iman in Fausto Puglisi, Cindy Bruna in Atelier Versace; Costance Jablonski in Wes Gordon

FEMALE BOSS

Jumpsuits and tailored trousers: sorry boys, we can rock anything!

Vanessa Axente in Cadet; Ophelie Guillermand in Brandon Maxwell; Heriet Paul in 3.1 Phillip Lim

CLASSY & PURE

Sometimes you can make a statement...just by covering up, and these models prove that: good job ladies!

Aamito Lagum; Imaan Hammam in Baja East; Jacquelyn Jablonski in Gabriela Hearst

YOU CAN DO BETTER

Big names, beautiful women...plain boring dresses.

Amanda Seyfried in Givenchy; Demi Moore in Zac Posen; Devon Windsor

DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME

I mean if you have a choice, would you wear such looks at an exclusive event?

Karlie Kloss in Proenza Schouler ; Lorde in Givenchy; Xiao Wen Ju in Chromat

written by: Stella