Fashion Dress in The Present: Search results for Fashion Dresses Sketch

Showing posts sorted by relevance for query Fashion Dresses Sketch. Sort by date Show all posts

SASHES AND TIARAS.....Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress": The Top Ten "Best" According to Miss World Judges...Really?

World Fashion Designer Top 10: Maybe, Maybe Not--Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress" Event, Sanya China

Photos courtesy of MissWorld.com

Events leading up to the Finals of the 65th Annual Miss World Beauty Pageant are occurring this past week. The Finals are December 19th but yesterday there was a "Preliminary" event for the Miss World--World Fashion Designer Dress Event, where all the 100+ contestants wore ensembles/gowns made by designers from their home countries. Tomorrow are the Finals of this event where the Miss World Top Model and World Designer Award fashion gala take place.

But at the Preliminary event, the contestants modeled their designs in front of the judges and the Top Ten "World Designer Dresses" were chosen. Here they are in alphabetical order (country-wise).

I'm not so sure these would have been my Top Ten Best Designer Dresses/Ensembles, in fact I would have probably put one or two in my "Uh Oh!" List. Not so sure what "Designer Dress" Kool-Aid the judges were drinking but here were their choices..

Miss Bosnia and Herzegovina Marijana Marcovic: Right away, I have an issue with this big ol' mess being named as Top Ten Miss World 2015 "Best World Fashion Designer Dress". This cha-cha black and silver trimmed design was created by Carmen Line according to the Miss World website. It is tacky and very "My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding". The pointed strapless neckline is not just obnoxious but would be ripped to shreds by any red carpet correspondent if this was ever worn at a red carpet event. It's BAD.

Miss Brazil Catharina Choi: Catharina wore this midnight blue lace gown designed by Olga Blanc. It's OK; nothing extraordinary. I've seen these styles in the back of an "After Five" Dress section at Macy's. I think that a gown worn at the "Miss World--World Fashion Designer Dress" event should be just a little more Haute and a little less department store-like. Maybe it's just me.

Miss Cote D'Ivoire Andrea N'Guessan: I actually like this mustard yellow jumpsuit with vest/cape design worn by Andrea. It's elegant, contemporary and makes a strong impact. I especially love her accessorizing; the gold earrings, gold belt, and THAT head-turban is EVERYTHING! I just wished that the top was a bit more interesting--an asymmetrical drape/pleat perhaps. The princess-seamed pattern to this silhouette is very "Design School 101".

Miss Guadeloupe Arlene Tacite: Arlene wore this ivory crepe gown with blue sequin applique featuring a strapless bustier designed by Jessica Jordan. I liked this. Once again, it's not very innovative--design-wise but it is quite nice; maybe that's the criteria I need to be considering. At least it fits well and the length is perfect.

Miss India Aditi Arya: I expected much more from a Miss World India. Seriously. This gold and ivory sequined column gown designed by Monisha Jaising is, again, just OK, but nothing spectacular. I could see this dress at a department store...or in the Downtown L.A. Garment District.

Miss Indonesia Maria Harfanti: Maria wore this blue and ivory gown which evokes a possible "Ming Vase" inspiration. The gown was designed and created by private clientele designer brand Windy Chandra Couture. It's nice but certainly not on the scale of an UBER fabulous Guo Pei creation.

Miss Italy Greta Galassi: Greta wore this golden and silver/pewter colored satin-and-sequined gown from Erasmo Fiorentino. The design featured some cut-out's and peek-a-boo's. It had a hint of "Art Deco" but I just don't understand why this ended up as a Top Ten. The sketch was better than Greta wearing it. I think on a dark-skinned contestant, this might have had a bit more of an impact, but on her, it was a "meh".

Miss Mongolia Anu Namshyrin: Anu wore this white illusion, chiffon and silver sequin gown designed by Tserenlkhagva Khuyag-Ochi. It featured sheer sleeves, 80's shoulders, and a drop waist silhouette. This was a bit wedding gown vibe to the dress; too cutesy and too Mother-of-the-Bride--or maybe the father's Mistress(!)...at a Russian millionaire's wedding. Just saying.

Miss Puerto Rico Keysi Vargas: Keysi's black nude netting/illusion with black sequin applique gown , designed by Jose Karlo, was one of the better ones chosen in the Top Ten Miss World 2015 "World Fashion Designer Dress" event. I loved the architectural aspect of the design and sharp shoulder/front detail, as well as the contrast fabric knit long sleeve top section. I just wished the sequined lace applique would have started a little lower in her hips/thigh area; it was just a little too close to her "Uh Oh" regions.

Miss Vietnam Tran Ngoc Lan Khue: Not sure how this rather plainly-designed ombre-hued blood red-to-yellow gown ended up as one of the Top ten best. The off the shoulder dress was designed by Ly Qui Khanh. I think this was rather basic and not memorable. And certainly not "Best World Designer Dress" material.

*UP NEXT: MY CHOICES for BEST Miss World 2015 "World Designer Dresses"...and the OH DEAR!

Nick Verreos Judges Fashion Club's Prom Advice Scholarship Competition!!!

Best Prom Line and Store...

Decisions Decisions: Nick Verreos Judging the Prom Advice 2011 Scholarship Competition

Yesterday, I had the honor of judging the FIDM FashionClub.com Prom Advice 2011 Scholarship Competition as part of my duties for the FAB PromAdvice.com site this year--which also included blogging on Prom Dresses, What Not To Wear, and How to Take a Good Prom Photo, as well even admitting what Prom Outfit Mistakes I made, back in the day...

I was also enlisted as the "Celebrity Judge" to chose the winner of the Scholarship Competition. High School Students from all over the country submitted their entries for two separate contests: The First, more geared for students wanting to go into Fashion Design, were assigned to Sketch a Prom Fashion Line of your own creation--three sketches, including fabric swatches plus a "Theme Board" for Inspiration.

The decor at the Fashion Club's headquarters, FIDM

And the Second, more for students wanting to go into the Merchandising or even Visual Display Majors, were tasked with designing an Imaginary Prom Attire Boutique, again using Mood Boards, showing layout of the store, special "Giveaways", maybe how the website for the store would look, and so on. The winners of each would get a Full Year Scholarship to attend the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising/FIDM--my Alma Mater and the school which I am the Spokesperson for.

Fashion Club's Wall of Prom Fashion Goodies, Fashion Club Headquarters FIDM

I took my job as Celebrity Judge very seriously since I knew that the future of TWO students' lives---or the next year of the life--was at stake. I arrived ready to take a look at all the entries, all the boards, all the sketches and finally narrowed them down to my Top Faves.

Board Central: Take a look at some of the boards from entries received for the 2011 Fashion Club's PromAdvice Scholarship Competition

Then, after about an hour of deliberation--and some support from my two FashionClub.com girls at the office, I did it! I chose the winners!!! In the end, it was pretty obvious who the two Winners would be and I "signed off" on my decision. Soon enough the winners will be receiving "those" phone calls and/or Congratulatory emails Yeaayyyy!).

Congrats to the Winners--I'm not telling you now but you'll find out soon enough!---and Hope everyone had a great Prom Season 2011!!!!

In Memoriam: Costume Designer Nolan Miller--A Shoulder Pad GOD!

Praise to One of My First Design Gods:

Ruffles and Poufs: Joan Collins, John Forsythe and Linda Evans, "Dynasty" TV Show, Costume Designer Nolan Miller

Last Wednesday June 6th, American fashion designer and television costume designer Nolan Miller passed away, at the age of 79. Miller had been ill for a while and he finally succumbed to lung cancer. He was one of my first "Design Gods". As a young boy--who only DREAMED of being a Fashion Designer while looking at glossy Vogue magazines and shows like "Dynasty" back in the 80's (yes, I am aging myself and I do not care!), I was in awe of his designs and the world he created through his incomparable design eye.

Nolan Miller emphasized elegance, excess, glamour with a capital "G", and one word: DIVA. And yes, he was known for being the Emperor of the 80's Shoulder Pads. Of course, Miller is famous for being the Costume Designer for the TV Show "Dynasty" which aired from 1981-1989--spanning almost the entire decade. In case you may be "Fashion and Costume Design Illiterate", read on...and if you are a "Young UMS" born after 1990, studying to be a Fashion Designer and you do not know who Nolan Miller is, YOU BETTER!

Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquiere

Lanvin designs by Alber Elbaz

Every other Fashion Designer worth his Croquis Salt is referencing him--whether they want to admit it or not, such as Nicolas Ghesquiere of Balenciaga and Alber Elbaz of Lanvin (see photos above) as well as many, many others. Anyhow, here's a quick Bio on Mr. Nolan Miller:

Born in Texas, Nolan Miller studied design at the Chouinard Art Institute (now the California Art Institute). He is best known for his costume design work for the long-running TV series "Dynasty" and especially for the looks that top stars Linda Evans, Joan Collins and Diahann Carroll "featured". Miller exemplified the 80's Excess and Glamour Look.

Dynasty Divas: There were always LOTS of ruffles, lots of DRAMA, and yes, very, very STRONG SHOULDERS.

"The Colby's": Nolan Miller also designed for the "Dynasty" TV Show spinoff "The Colbys"--more shoulder pads, and more hand-beaded sequins darlings! Before he gained his "Shoulder Pad and Ruffle" TV Fame on that show as well as "Dynasty", Miller also was the Costume Designer for shows such as...

"Charlie's Angels": Butch and Feminine Detective Chic

"The Love Boat": Hello Julie McCoy and her poly-jersey gathered off-the-shoulder "Cruise Ship" Dresses!

"Fantasy Island": Resort Glam

"Gilligan's Island": Ginger's sexy va-va-boom v-neck coral-colored sequined dress was designed by Nolan Miller

Branding and Licensing King:

Blouson Pattern: During the 80's, designer Nolan Miller also created McCall's Patterns--dresses, blouses and much more featuring those very shoulder-padded and BLOUSON'ed sleeves, nipped-in waists and over-all 80's "I-Got-Money-and-You-Don't" style--all based on "Dynasty" characters played by the ever-so-chic Joan Collins and Diahann Carroll.

Nolan Miller QVC: For 19 years, Nolan Miller was on QVC showcasing his fabulous "Nolan Miller Glamour Collection for QVC" jewelry and accessories; they were beautiful, colorful, costume-and Couture inspired and well, for 19 years, they did pretty well for him and QVC. In 2011, he announced that he was retiring from QVC.

Nolan Miller on The Red Carpet:

Elizabeth Taylor in a Nolan Miller gown: Taylor wore it to the Golden Globes in 1985 when she received the Cecil
B deMille Award for her Outstanding Contribution in the Entertainment
Field. It went for $7,500 in the "Elizabeth Taylor Christie's Online Auction" last year.

Sophia Loren: Nolan Miller (left) and actress (and DIVA) Sophia Loren, wearing a Nolan Miller red gown at the 2000 Costume Designers Guild Awards.

Sketch Fab:

Illustration Fierce: Above are several Fashion Illustrations--including ones of "Dynasty" actresses and Muses Linda Evans and Joan Collins---Nolan Miller

Mr. Miller...

You will be missed. Thank you for inspiring a very young Greek-Venezuelan boy with a Dream!

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.

Paris Fashion Week Minute: Alexander McQueen and Viktor & Rolf Spring/Summer 2013--Photos + Runway Videos!

Buzzzzzzzzz...and Joan Crawford/Adrian Homage...

Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2013:

Beekeeper Chic: Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2013

Alexander McQueen designer Sarah Burton unveiled her Spring/Summer 2013 offering at Paris Fashion Week and EVERYONE was a-buzz about it. Oh, and did I mention that the inspiration came from Beekeepers, honeycombs and bees?

The models' heads were covered in fashionista versions of beekeepers' veils. And the honeycomb-like print popped up in every variation (not to mention the buzzzz-ing bees soundtrack at the end). The collection was exquisite--for the most part--and very McQueen. Style.com said "The clothes they wore refracted a honeycomb motif
through a dozen wasp-waisted guises, bound, haltered, and harnessed in a
tortoiseshell that could quite equally have been a rich, sweet toffee.
The hyper-exaggerated female silhouette was derived from the pinups of
Alberto Vargas."

Beekeeper Chic: Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2013

The suits were UBER fitted with rounded peplums, slim tulip'ed pencil skirts and capri pants--the SKINNIEST EVER!!--and with Princess seamed slits. Where Burton went a little "Oh Dear!" were the Scarlett O'Hara crinolined gowns that looked a little too much like a Carol Burnett/Bob Mackie sketch. Besides that--it was a FAB collection. And, as always with what is shown at an Alexander McQueen Runway Show, it will be very interesting to see what actually makes it to their stores --i.e. THE "Pippa" dress in various colors, black leather jackets, black sheath dresses, black pencil skirts and well, more black...

Which one of these "Beekeeper Collection" Spring/Summer 2013 items can you see on my dear TV Guide Network "Award Show Fashion Wrap" Girlfriend, Tabatha Coffey (she LOVES McQueen you know...)

Here are more Photo Highlights from the collection:

Tortoiseshell Vamps: Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2013

Prom Couture: Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2013

Enchanted McQUEEN: Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2013

Ball Queens: Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2013

Click Below to watch the FULL Runway Video of Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2013:

Viktor & Rolf Spring/Summer 2013

Joan Crawford Homage: Viktor & Rolf Spring/Summer 2013

Joan Crawford in Adrian--halter gown and SUPER Shoulder padded gown

Viktor & Rolf Spring/Summer 2013 Collection at Paris Fashion Week was all about "Old Hollywood" and all very Joan Crawford. As Style.com says "Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren revisited old Hollywood today. There
was a black and white tile floor straight out of the Regency period, and
the models stepped onto the runway via an antique mirror, like visions
from the past. For clothes they wore long pleated gowns in black, white,
and silver lamé almost as reflective as that mirror, or pastel
georgette draped and swagged from necklines and waists embellished with
ropes of crystals. Shoulders were big and waists were tiny".

Here are some of my Favorite Looks: