Runway Report: Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week--Stephane Rolland Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012--Pics + Runway Video!

Runway Report: Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week--Stephane Rolland Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012--Pics + Runway Video!

Caped Beauties, Architectural Columns, a Fan Bingbing Wedding Gown, and Mrs. Kanye West...

Bingbing Wedding Cape: Chinese actress (and Fashion Diva) Fan Bingbing models Le Mariage final dress, Stephane Rolland Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

French fashion designer Stephane Rolland showed his Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012 collection a couple of days ago in Paris. Rolland has recently become a Red Carpet darling with a lot of actresses--primarily the non-American ones who feel comfortable "stepping it up" and not playing it safe when it comes to what they want to wear at high profile events. There is one big US fan though: Lady Gaga. Naturally she would LOVE his clothes! Someone else who just jumped on the Rolland bandwagon, is reality show and Us Weekly Cover Girl Hall-of-Famer Kim Kardashian.

Couture Couple: Kanye West and Kim Kardashian at the Stephane Rolland Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012 fashion show, Paris

 Kim's Gown: Stephane Rolland Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2012

She's been in Paris with her current beau Kanye West, and made an appearance at Rolland's show. Kim wore a black dress with white organza shoulder detail from the designer's Spring/Summer 2012 Haute Couture collection--it was modified for la Kim in that it was made "high-low" as opposed to how it was originally shown as in the photo above. Their showing almost completely overshadowed the fashions on the runway since naturally the photographers went crazy-mad! When I was looking for images of the Stephane Rolland Haute Couture show online, after googling it, the runway photos didn't come up...but Kim Kardashian and Kanye West sure did!  Is this good or bad? Talk amongst yourselves...

 Camel Hot: Stephane Rolland Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

Now, onto the fashions: It was like a continuation of what Rolland has been doing for a couple of the last Couture seasons; metallic belts, details, CAPES galore, geometric cut-outs, architectural shapes. It seemed like this was the "extended remix" of  last season's Stephane Rolland Haute Couture collection. Is this good or bad? (again, talk amongst yourselves). At least he's consistent. I, for one, am a fan of Stephane Rolland and as a fellow fashion designer respect his scissor-sharp cuts and severe Spartan Goddess looks. His woman is a Fashion Dominatrix--without the whips and chains!

 Curved Slits: Stephane Rolland Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

 Feathered Asymmetry: Feathered  shoulder ivory gown with metallic accents (left) and bronze gathered gown with Asymmetrical coat-jacket--Stephane Rolland Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

 Cannes 2013 Red Carpet: Asymmetry, Geometry and unexpected details are key words in a Stephane Rolland collection--Stephane Rolland Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

 Caped Queens: Designer Stephane Rolland LOVES those gowns with lots and lots of fabric flowing in the "runway wind" as the models walk...or stomp! Here are two prime examples--Stephane Rolland Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

 Merlot Sexy: a see-through silk chiffon and crepe-back satin gown with fringed/featherd side detail (left) and Amercian model Sessilee Lopez in a one-shouldered gathered chiffon gown with back cape/fall--Stephane Rolland Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

 A Funeral Entrance: two all black looks --a gown with attached side cape (left) and plunging neckline cape-jacket with fitted trousers (right) on Spanish Supermodel Nieves Alvarez--Stephane Rolland Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

 Finale Gown: Actress Fan Bingbing in a fringed cape gown--Stephane Rolland Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012

Click Below for Stephane Rolland Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2012 runway video:

VAMFF 2017 - The Fashion Advocate Runway @ Luna Park

VAMFF 2017 - The Fashion Advocate Runway @ Luna Park

Saturday 11th March

March is a month of food (Good Food Month) and fashion, two things that I have yet to see go together. I want to see a runway inspired by food, with each collection accompanying a course/bunch of dishes.

Set at Luna Park one of the events we're going to this year is a show advocating local designs and creations - actually making it locally and not in china/Bangladesh. The Fashion Advocate Runway ..."brings together independent labels from around Australia to showcase the cool, the quirky and the quintessential (word of the year) look of Australian fashion, as well as promote local production and ethical manufacturing". Locally designed and made clothing. If it's like Cue, don't look at the price tag!

Smart people order pizza delivered. This area is an expensive party zone. I wonder if she knows we can see her ass, Sarah says yes, she's been working on that ass and is proud to parade it around me. Me? I'd feel all exposed and nasty, though underwear and swimwear in this century is designed to show it all off.

It's like roller coaster tycoon but no one dies (also a lot smaller) - Charlie on Luna Park

Held at Luna Park we were delighted to attend! We forgot to invite the professor though, who tells me yes he can drink $90+ of drinks, as there was an open bar. There's seats and standing tickets. All seats are called VIP, to make almost everyone feel special XD Reminds me of the circus instead of A-C reserve it was platinum, diamond and A res. Seats are around $90, and include a seat (lol) drinks and a showbag. There were a couple handful of standing spots.

Being fashion the attendees were sometimes works of art themselves! Like pompom girl, I believe she's one of the designers. I have no idea how to make pompoms that dense and all packed together...

While it was a cloudy day, it wasn't cold (I do recall it being summer that week) though the lighting was dull and the 'r' word was forbidden. Above is what the unedited lighting actually looked like on the day.
While there's plenty of drinks there was no food, except a bite of a brownie. For the ticket price I had expected canapes. But at the same time food and fashion seem  to be mortal enemies. If you're after the open bar you want to arrive when doors open.

Doors opened at 6.30pm for a 8pm show (it actually started at 8.20pm) and we arrived around 7pm with sushi (an entree). With a drink in hand, Remedy Kombucha and camera in the other we were runway ready! We also bought spare batteries which was a great idea.

BYO Sushi! Any assorted $15 bento. We were disappointed that there were no canapes.

Bras are overrated on runway. We never see them unless a. it's a lingerie show b. it's a wedding show and we're working the dressing rooms.  

A sold out show with 300+ seats and 12 designers. There was a bit of everything from the office to bed, and very unique dry-clean only ideas. The show went for 30 minutes which was normal, it's absolutely amazing how much time and work goes into events, much like fine dining just to present something.



Knitted & Winter Ready! I love that Elmer dress, so colourful and fun! Also all the crazy pompoms! How do you wash these things? Dry clean and spot clean only I'm afraid!

One of my favourite collections featuring nipple tape and sprinkles! More designers should do sprinkles, they're so much fun! Playing with colours, textures and fabrics.
The end was a bit abrupt and we were left waiting for an ending, there wasn't one. Instead there was a delay before the organizer accepted flowers. Normally the show ends with all the models doing a walk through clapping, followed by their designers. 

After the show we explored the area, the bathrooms were gross so there was a huge regret for wearing a ballgown! They really need to renovate. There was an arcade of games, as well as an retro air stream converted into a snack stand with all the stuff you'd expect. Somehow I'd expected this place is be bigger and more alive on a Saturday Night...

Luna Park by Night. You can check out all the pictures here.

I love showbags! They're actually my favourite part of any show, I don't care much for fashion (a friend invited me) as they never show things from other centuries and era. And there wasn't any food at this event.

What's in this bag? A lot of spend and save vouchers, a couple notebooks, hair gel, those nail filers (in a matchbook), a bite of a brownie (more packaging than product), hair spray (?) ad my two favourites: a tape measure (that now lives in my bag) and candle - I love candles!

We had a fun time at the runway at Luna Park, and look forwards to many more shows and events to go! Do we support local fashion? Nope, it's not affordable, though we mightn't be the target market there. I do support local art those, especially fun brooches on etsy!

William and Catherine Royal Wedding Guests Red Carpet Fashion Report: Part 2!

William and Catherine Royal Wedding Guests Red Carpet Fashion Report: Part 2!

Westminster Abbey Red Carpet Continues...

Proper Becks: David and Victoria Beckham

Footballer and all-around HUNK, David Beckham--and his wife Victoria--were "special guests" of William and Catherine and EVERYONE was awaiting their arrival. They stood with the rest of the invited guests in the "You Are Not Real Royalty" line--it's like an "Economy Class" Airport Security Line (as opposed to Premium Class). Needless to say, they acted and looked very Posh & Proper.

David, always a dandy when it comes to style looked handsome in his Morning Suit with top hat and silver satin cravat. Although many are docking him style points for apparently wearing his Office of the British Empire Medal on the wrong lapel!! Que Horror!

Besides those SKY HIGH Stilettos (hello, isn't she like 6 months pregnant??), Miss Victoria wore...

A tent-like dress from her own Victoria Beckham Fall/Winter 2011/12 Collection, seen above on the runway in brick red. Hers was a dark (almost black) navy blue. Her hat was from Philip Treacy. I really thought Mrs. Beckham was going to wear a "Va Va Voom" fitted dress that she would have had custom made to fit her growing tummy. But nope, she went the comfy route.

The Other Queen: Sir Elton John and his partner David Furnish

Sir Elton John and David Furnish also went the Posh & Proper route, both choosing to wear elegant Morning Suits--as was suggested...strike that!... REQUIRED, in the Wedding Invitation. Many people expected Miss Elton to be all crazy and wear a fuchsia Versace suit but really kids, he hasn't done that in years and he knows that a Royal Wedding is NOT the place and time for that. I liked how Elton was the one giving you hints of color with his lemon yellow waistcoat/vest and violet tie. Proper...but with a "twist".

Cobalt Lady: Tara Palmer-Tomkinson

Socialite, "It Girl", TV presenter and all around "British Paris Hilton" TPT (as she's dubbed in the UK) wore cobalt blue HEAD TO TOE, with her dress matching her hat, gloves, shoes and clutch. When I first saw her on TV lining up in that "Economy Class Westminster Abbey Line", I was like "WHO is Miss FIERCE???". Leave it to Tara to not want to blend in. No pastels or blush colors for her, darling! I think she's FAB! I love women who KNOW they have an "Inner Drag Queen" and aren't afraid to use it! Especially at Royal weddings! How did she get invited again???

Swedish Class: Crown Princess Victoria in Elie Saab Spring/Summer 2011--and her husband, Prince Daniel of Sweden

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden (she's going to be Queen someday!) was one of my favorite royals at the William & Catherine Wedding. She looked every inch a "modern/next generation" princess. No fussy suits, no coat-and dress combination. Nope, just a sexy, side gathered salmon-colored dress from Lebanese designer Elie Saab and a variation on a dress from his Ready-to-Wear Spring/Summer 2011 Collection. A wide brimmed hat and matching shoes finished off her look. Why, though, is there something about Daniel that makes me want to slap him upside the head? Like a student who's trying to get one over on me...that's what he reminds of...Just sayin'

The New Grace Kelly: Prince Albert of Monaco with his fiancée, Charlene Wittstock

And then there's Prince Albert's fiancée, the statuesque Charlene Wittstock, who was born in the former British colony of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). Their upcoming nuptials on July 2, 2011 is THE next "Royal Wedding of The Century" in case you wanted to know and Armani is designing her wedding gown. Until then, we can all live in the splendor that is Charlene above as she arrives--Prince in hand. Dove-gray princess seamed coat, stand-up Peter Pan collar, gloves, clutch, nude heels and sleek wide-brimmed hat. Her mother "done taught her right". She knows what it takes to look like a Royal darlings. Seriously.

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!!!