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

PROJECT RUNWAY RECAPS....."Project Runway" Season 14 Recaps--Episode 9 "JustFab" Challenge: Photo Blog Recap!

PROJECT RUNWAY RECAPS....."Project Runway" Season 14 Recaps--Episode 9 "JustFab" Challenge: Photo Blog Recap!

Classroom to Contentious to Retail: Lifetime Network's Season 14 "Project Runway" Episode 9 "JustFab" Challenge

The JustFab Challenge: This week on Lifetime's Season 14 "Project Runway" the designers had to create a so-called "High Fashion" look that would be mass-produced and sold on the JustFab site. JustFab is one of the show's sponsors, providing the accessories for the contestant's looks. Their creations were to be "inspired" by JustFab Style Personas including "Bombshell", "Trendsetter", "Girl Next Door", "Modern Classic", and "Femme Nouveau". It all made for a rather confusing directive, challenge and especially, runway judging. The episode began harmlessly enough...

Tim Tablet: Tim says "Good Morning Designers! Get up and Get Ready. Class starts in One Hour" via a Tablet--Season 14 "Project Runway" Episode 9

Class Is In Session: Tim Gunn, along with JustFab Fashion Director, Yuchin Mao, introduce the challenge at the mini-classroom/workroom--Season 14 "Project Runway" Episode 9

During the Workroom and Pre-Runway:

Not Sure of That Print: Designer/contestant Edmond Newton originally wanted to use this printed fabric to make a one shoulder/one sleeved dress he thought would be very "Bombshell"--his JustFab design Style Persona. Tim was a bit perplexed by the design and how un-Bombshell it might look. He fittingly questioned Edmond's love of the print. During the model fitting...

Now That's Better: Edmond finally realizes it's time to ditch his original printed design and use a red Lycra knit to make it truly Bombshell--Season 14 "Project Runway" Episode 9

And then, there was Miss "I Forgot" Laurie:

Ummm, Are You OK with Your Model's Bra Straps Showing? One of the other models asks Laurie Underwood, if this is how she intended her design to look going down the runway...with her model's bra straps showing with the see-through organza top she made for her look. Underwood's excuse: "Oh, I Forgot!". Well, we knew that this was not going to be a good sign. You may remember, last week, she got bitten by the Nipple Pasties Virus.

Judging Time: (L to R) Yuchin Mao, JustFab Fashion Director; Singer/songwriter/fashion diva Ciara; Marie Claire's Nina Gracia; Designer Zac Posen; Heidi Klum--Season 14 "Project Runway" Episode 9

My Two Cents:

The judging turned out to be ALL OVER THE PLACE, so much so that no one was on Top or Bottom. The reason, I feel the judging was CRAY-CRAY was because of the confusion of the Challenge. You'll have to read my RECAP beginning at the end of this post and then on the MyLifetime.com "Project Runway" Blog HERE to find out what I thought the directive of the Challenge should have been.



Just one look at the site, you know that "High Fashion" (as in a look straight out of the Alexander McQueen runway for example) isn't a necessary criteria; and neither is "Innovation" as in a forward/modern/Viktor & Rolf type design. One just needs to make something cute, chic enough for a Millennial, 20-something gal, and easy enough to be mass-produced and retail for under $40. And BTW: if something retails for $40, this means that it should cost about $10 TO MAKE (including fabric, label, EVERYTHING!).

Un-Fashionable Judging: Queen Nina and Prince Zac were two of the most vocal when it came to not liking any of the designs that would have actually been PERFECT for JustFab. Which tells me two things:

A) they didn't even LOOK at the JustFab website to see what they sell

or

B) They were too stuck in their "High Fashion" criteria.



Runway:

Kelly Depsey: I liked this printed cropped top and leggings look. It is very JustFab and made of not-expensive knit fabrication (although it might have been difficult to mass produce these specific prints that Kelly got from Mood). Oh, and yeah, that faux fur chubby was verging on "Muppets Hooker", so there was that.

Top Two: Ashley Nell Tipton (left) and Edmon Newton (R). Loved Ashley's super cute look and especially the cropped gold faux leather Moto jacket. Nina hated the top and skirt, naturally. And Edmond--well, thank goodness he changed his original design (with a little guidance from Tim Gunn) and created this "Bombshell" sexy red dress. It was simple with one unique detail (the spaghetti bias), can be worn by many sizes, cheap fabric, done and done. It rightfully won.



And here's the actual style and how it ended up for production and retail at JustFab.com:

Bombshell Red--Edmond Newton's design at JustFab. I doubt if he's making anything from the sales (99.99 % sure he's not), but congrats for winning!

Too High Fashion: (L to R) Candice Cuoco and Merline Labissiere. These two designs were so off-the-JustFab mark, it was as if they forgot the "This Must be Mass-Produced for $39.95 for a 22 Year Old Millenial to Buy it!" part. I don't fault them so much for it since again, the challenge directives were so convoluted.

No Gowns on JustFab: Not sure why anyone--Tim, the producers...SOMEONE!--did not inform Swapnil Shinde (his cheetah printed gown design is above with organza cocoon coat) that JustFab doesn't sell gowns ANYWHERE On their site. And trust me, if it ever did, it wouldn't be one like this. This gown doesn't scream Hipster Millenial, but rather the BET Awards in 2003.

Laurie Underwood: Oh Laurie. While from a distance, I would say this look is sophisticated and quite va-va-voom chic. But, it's SOOOO NOT JustFab and then, there's the see-through organza halter top. It really wasn't even a top but more like a front bib of sorts. And yes, it ended up that indeed, we saw her model's...

Nipple Pasties!!!--Season 14 "Project Runway" Episode 9

Laurie should have...

...probably stuck to her original design of a v-neck sheath dress. Maybe she might have been on top along with Edmond and Ashley and not OUT--Season 14 "Project Runway" Episode 9

And now, time for my RECAP of this week's "Project Runway":

Season 14, Episode 9: Runway Retail

This week’s challenge was to design a look for
JustFab, the online fast-fashion retailer and one of the sponsors of
this season’s “Project Runway.” Easy, right? Nope, not so much as it
turned out. I think the actual challenge suffered from an unnecessary
"high fashion" directive which then lead to contradictory expectations
and critiques from the judges and somewhat perplexing creations.
Eventually, there were some super-cute JustFab designs among all that,
but it felt like we had to go through tooth surgery to get there. Let's
delve deeper...

The episode begins with the
remaining designers in their apartments finding a tablet on their
kitchen tables with Tim Gunn making an announcement, “Good morning
designer. Get up and get ready. Class starts in one hour and you don’t
want to be tardy. Today is going to be JUST FABULOUS!” While the contestants mulled over a possible “school” inspiration, I knew better.

Tim
and Yuchin Mao, fashion director for JustFab are in the workroom, which
has been redecorated to resemble a mini classroom. Mao tells the
designers that JustFab had recently expanded their business beyond
accessories and is now selling apparel. There is a blackboard with five
JustFab member style personas: Bombshell (sexy, not shying from the
spotlight), Trendsetter (risk-taker, edgy), Girl Next Door (casual, easy
spirit), Modern Classic (tailored look), and Femme Nouveau (a romantic
at heart).

Candice, who won last week’s
challenge...



Click HERE on the MyLifetime.com "Project Runway" Blog to read the rest of my RECAP!

Fashion School Fix: Nick Verreos Begins his FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" Tour in FIDM San Francisco!

Fashion School Fix: Nick Verreos Begins his FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" Tour in FIDM San Francisco!

City by the Bay Couture and Fashion School FAB-U-Lousnesss!!!!!

Nick In Heaven: Nick Verreos at the de Young Museum "Balenciaga and Spain" Exhibition San Francisco

Last week, I began my 2011 FIDM 3 Days of Fashion "Tour". As the Official Spokesperson--and Alumn of the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, I travel to all the Campuses for their annual "3 Days of Fashion" EXTRAVAGANZA!!!! Three Days of Fashion is the event where high-school and post graduates:

• Discover new and exciting career options
• Take workshops such as Draping, Creative Thinking, and Product Development
• Learn how to sketch the nine-head fashion figure
• Find out what a Designer really does
• Meet FIDM Grads who have found success and are doing what they love
• Find out how the industry gets the latest information about trends
• Tour some of the best shopping spots in the world
• Get the answers to all your questions from the people who really know: the working professionals

My first stop was San Francisco:

I flew up to San Francisco from my home base in Los Angeles on Virgin America (my plane above)--one of my favorite airlines! The flight attendants are always so friendly and I love the ordering food and drinks from the TV screen thing--even on a one-hour flight!

Chic Airport: SFO Terminal 2

I landed in SFO's spankin' brand (almost) new Terminal 2. The terminal was outfitted with cool red "egg" chairs and an overall post-modern design aesthetic: Loved it! Reminded me of the Jet Blue Terminal at JFK. After getting my suitcase (I brought gowns kids!!!), I got to the City and checked into my room at one of my FAVE SF Hotels--the Kimpton Hotels' Hotel Monaco.

Kimpton Hotels' Hotel Monaco San Francisco "Welcome"

As always, there was a "Welcome Nick!" bottle of wine (Hello!) and glasses for me to enjoy. Sometimes there is a cheese-and-snack plate but not this time unfortunately. Maybe this was a "Welcome with a small 'w' ". But nevertheless, I was very THANKFUL for the wine but I saved it for later because besides making my FIDM SF "3 Days of Fashion" appearance, I had one other thing on my mind and that was:

De Young Museum: Balenciaga and Spain

Yes....going to the De Young Museum and visiting the "Balenciaga and Spain" Exhibition Hello??? My Northern California friend Didi Simon and I drove to the Museum (I ordered the tickets online beforehand) and we went and enjoyed EVERY single COUTURE Gown of it!

It was AMAZING!!! The Exhibition closes on July 4th and I will be traveling to Europe July 5th so this was the ONLY time I could see it!!! It was GLORIOUS!!! I absolutely LOVE , adore, admire Cristobal Balenciaga and his creations so to me, it was like being in Fashion Heaven! The Exhibition is organized into six "Inspiration" sections: Spanish Art, Regional Dress, the Spanish Court, Religious Life and Ceremony, the Bullfight, and Dance.

Gown Central: "Balenciaga and Spain" Exhibition, De Young Museum San Francisco

At one point, I gave an impromptu "Haute Couture Lesson/Tour" as I was describing all the intricacies of the Art of Haute Couture and construction/seaming to my friend Didi, and then I turned around and there were about TEN or so other exhibit visitors listening! And funny enough, many visitors recognized me and were very happy that A) I was there, and B) I was giving them a FREE knowledgeable mini-tour!

But soon, it was time to make my "special appearance" at FIDM SF's "3 Days of Fashion":

I always LOVE coming to San Francisco and the FIDM SF!!! They always treat me like a Star! Today was supposed to be the final day of their annual "3 Days of Fashion" and I was their "special guest star"!!!

FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion Welcome

As part of the "3 Days of Fashion" events, FIDM SF organizers have a fun-and-fabulous "Project FIDM" fashion show, where participants get to "re-create" and "re-cycle" garments and then have a fashion show that is judged a la Project Runway.

Jackets Required: FIDM SF Alumna Julia A. Hill and Nick Verreos, FIDM San Francisco "2011 3 Days of Fashion"

For the 2nd consecutive year, I was joined by Clinton Kelly's (from TLC's "What Not To Wear") Executive Assistant and new Director of Design for his QVC line--FIDM SF Alumn Julia A. Hill as one of my co-judges of that aforementioned contest. She was looking VERY "NY Vogue Magazine Jr. Editor" in her pleated high-waist khaki trousers, lilac tank and black "Boyfriend" jacket.

Judges Judging: Julia A. Hill Nick Verreos and three Guest Student Judges discuss who the winners of "Project FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion" will be

Model Rachael Sitz in NIKOLAKI red silk satin-back crepe backless gown with...

Swarovski crystal straps, gathered back and Godet-train

In addition to the Contest, I also brought several of my NIKOLAKI Red Carpet Dresses to show the "3 Days of Fashion" attendees. The dresses were modeled by Look Model Agency model Rachael Sitz, one of the BEST--and favorite--models in San Francisco!!

Model Rachael Sitz in the NIKOLAKI lilac hand-beaded lilac cocktail dress, FIDM SF 2011 "3 Days of Fashion"

I even brought THE "Katy Perry" dress--a lilac-colored hand-beaded one-shoulder sequin dress that Katy Perry wore to launch her Purr Perfume. Yes, kids, Miss Katy Perry wore one of my designs!!!

Say "Hi" San Francisco: FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion Attendees, waiting for an autograph and a photo

Posin' Fashionistas: FIDM "3 Days of Fashion" attendees and Nick Verreos (center)--and a signed t-shirt

FIDM Goodie Bags:Nick Verreos, Julia A. Hill and Winners pose with their autographed FIDM bags, FIDM SF 3 Days of Fashion

All in all, I had a BLAST at FIDM San Francisco's "3 Days of Fashion"; the Contest, the fashion show, showing my gowns/dresses, I even stayed a coupe of hours afterward and signed autographs and took pics with each and every one of the attendees! (which I LUV doing!)

I was even asked to sign someone's iPhone!!! Someone's iPhone may end up on Ebay...

Thanks San Francisco and Northern California for a FAB FIDM "3 Days of Fashion"!! Can't wait to come back!!!!!