0 Red Carpet Report: Met Ball 2012 Models On The Red Carpet

 Met Ball 2012 Red Carpet: The Models!!


Schiaparelli And Prada: Impossible Conversations--Met Ball 2012

Last night, in NYC, was the Met Ball 2012--the Costume Institute Gala to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's new Costume Exhibition entitled "Schiaparelli And Prada: Impossible Conversations". The exhibition explores the striking affinities between Elsa Schiaparelli and Miuccia Prada, two Italian designers from different eras. The exhibit is directed by Baz Luhrmann, and focuses on how both women explore similar themes in their work through very different approaches. It opens May 10th and runs through August 19, 2012. Now, in case you've been living under a Fashion Rock, the Met Ball has become the "Oscars Red Carpet" for the fashion world. A-list celebs vie for an invitation and to be paired up with designers and of course, it's the time when all the World's Top Models show how they do the Red Carpet...so let's see how the models did:

 

Heidi Klum in Custom Escada: Heidi wore a navy blue lace high neck gown with dropped shoulders featuring scalloped edges and yes, a side slit. Thank goodness this side slit was "Lady Like" and Miss Klum didn't show her nether-regions. She also gets points for doing "the Angelina" and doing it well.

Anja Rubik in Anthony Vaccarello: Now speaking of nether-regions and doing the "Angelina"...Oh Dear Lord! Polish-born supermodel took the term HIGH SLIT to another level altogether. The gown was designed by Belgian-Italian newcomer Anthony Vaccarello is a white one shoulder dress with a slash at the top and big ol' slit at the side.

Anthony Vaccarello Spring 2012 Slash and Slit on model Karlie Kloss

Vaccarello loves his slashes and slits and is quickly becoming known for his "Robert Palmer Girls for the 21st Century" designs. Now, this particular gown--and her in it--pretty much takes the "Top World Slit Crown" for the next ten years to come! It's not really a slit but a complete CUT OUT of the side of her gown. Now, granted Anja has got enviable legs that well, go on forever and ever. But I'm afraid what happens after all those "ever and ever's"---Not sure if I want to see.

Olivier Theyskens and Caroline Trentini:  Fashion designer Olivier Theyskens arrived with Brazilian supermnodel Caroline Trentini at last night's Met Ball 2012. Trentini wore a lilac blue princess paneled gown designed by Theyskens of course. She looked elegant and demure. Not sure if it was impacting enough--or highlighted Caroline's AMAZING over 6 foot long frame. However, this could really look appropriate on Catherine Duchess of Cambridge or Princess Charlene of Monaco. Note to Princess Charlene: order this gown!!!

 

Coco Rocha in Vintage 1980's Hubert de Givenchy: Model Coco Rocha bid--and won--this ensemble--at the Elizabeth Taylor Auction which occurred late last year. It was previously owned by Elizabeth Taylor and at the time of the purchase (her wining bid was $3,500) Rocha gushed that she would "Love to wear this at the Met Ball..." Well, her wish came true. She looked so chic. The color and hand-applied couture sequins add enough uniqueness to this pant-ensemble that it can have as much of an impact as wearing a full-length gown.

Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen in Givenchy: The perfect couple. Just look at them. Both are wearing Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci. Gisele looks amazing in this fitted waist-defining gown. Love the strappy heels and her slicked chignon hairstyle. Now, speaking of hair: Tom...Tom..Tom...not sure what his hair stylist was thinking when this slicked-up faux-hawk was thrust upon Brady. I think he should have just done a "Clark Cable Slick" and leave it at that. What do you guys think?

Chanel Iman and Tom Ford both wearing Tom Ford: Model Chanel Iman wore an intricate, and original, gown made of pheasant feathers molded to her body with illusion sections. She was covered up--almost completely. But yet, still oh-so-sexy. The gown was designed by Tom Ford, who incidentally looked IMPECCABLE. PS: when doesn't he???

 

Karolina Kurkova in Rachel Zoe: Three words: You. Go. Girl. Karolina Kurkova attended the Met Ball last night in this golden stunner of a gown, with a matching turban, no less! The gown was designed by Stylist-to-the-Stars Rachel Zoe. I absolutely LOVE it!! She looks like Carmen Miranda as she arrives into Sao Paulo for a Black Tie Ball...in 1944! It's very Sheikha Mozah of Qatar. I bet the Sheikha is jealous right about now, wishing she would have done this look at one of her fabulous global trips.

Rosie Huntington-Whitely: The English supermodel is the Face of Burberry Body and naturally, she wore a custom gown from Burberry and it's designer Christopher Bailey. The gown featured horizontal "striped" motif all in sequins, a fishtail train and cowl-draped back. It's perfection--from head to toe. I also love that her date--Peruvian-born photographer Mario Testino--is back there with his iPhone taking pics of the red carpet madness in the photo at top left.

Linda Evangilista in Prada: Oh Miss Linda. She's been going through a very public child custody court case as of late. In fact, late yesterday, Evangelista and the father of their child Francois Henri-Pinault settled (settlement amount and details of the agreement will not be disclosed). So, she put all that drama behind for one night and attended the Met Ball looking sublime and every inch a supermodel (and maybe much richer too!). She wore a simple black silk duchesse satin column gown featuring a scooped neck and a peplum. Definition of a Lady.


What did you guys think of these models and who was YOUR Favorite/Not Favorite? I'd love to read your thoughts! Let me know!

Next up...Best Dressed of the Night!!

0 Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute Gala Red Carpet: The Models!!

Posin' Pros...

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Burberry: Victoria's Secret Supermodel Rosie Huntington-Whiteley (how much do we just LOVE that "Upper Class"-sounding name of hers?? I have a feeling she didn't grown up in the "Projects" my dear!). She looks radiant, even if a bit wrinkled in this Burberry gown. PS: This is Burberry? Didn't know they were into silk charmeuse! And PPS: That IS a SLIT kids!

Red Bombshell: Brazilian Supermodel Gisele Bundchen in Alexander McQueen. OK, B**ches: SIT DOWN, the Queen has arrived! If I was a girl standing within ten feet of her, I would have run for cover. Trust me ladies, you would not want to be competing with this. How do you say "fabulous" in Portuguese?

Crystal Renn in Zac Posen: Pardon me for asking but, SHE'S supposed to be FULL FIGURED???? She looks like a Runway Size 2 to me. What happened to all the "I want to be the Poster Child for 'Real Women with Curves' stuff"? You can read more about the controversy HERE. Oh well, she still looks SAVAGE in this black silk taffeta Zac Posen . Loving that hair too! One word: WORK!!!!

Valentino with model Natalia Vodianova in Valentino: Pretty and Regal. Her hair and make-up (especially the EYES!) are on-point. Love the red clutch. Yes, Valentino is a bit orange, but hey it is VALENTINO! He gets a pass.

Miranda Kerr in Marchesa: Who got in a fight at a Mexican Girl's Quinceañera? Miranda Kerr did. I know that I have said this before "Models can get away with wearing (Almost) anything!!!" Well: Exhibit A of "Almost" above.

Karolina Kurkova in Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring 2011. Question: Is she wearing Guipure Lace Pants?

Answer: Yes. Here's the gown--and matching pants from Gaultier's Spring 2011 "Can Can Couture" Collection (above). It kinda works on me! Let's just be happy she didn't add that feathered headdress (or maybe she should have!).

Elettra Wiedemann in Prabal Gurung. Elettra--in case you didn't know--is Isabella Rossellini's daughter, she's a model, darlings. And wow, is she gorgeous! Not so much for the dress. It's a RUCHED mess if you ask me. I love me some Prabal Gurung; he's one of the most talented US Designers and in Miss Anna Wintour's "Little Black Book" of Faves. But this was a bit of a miss.

Joan Smalls in Tom Ford. Three words: At A Girl. And two more: Slinky and smoldering.

Jessica Stam in Tommy Hilfiger: Next. She's going to the Met Gala not a High School Dance in 1953. I hope she didn't actually pay someone to do her hair that night...Just sayin'.

Hillary Rhoda in Alexander McQueen: Edwardian Dandy Meets Equestrian Diva. I bet she probably could ride a horse in that! Or go Fox Hunting!

Coco Rocha in Alexander McQueen: This has the right amount of "Valley of The Dolls" element (the chiffon gown, the updo hairstyle) which makes me want to be pool side in some fab home in Bel Air in 1967 drinking Martinis and popping pills! Love it.

Chanel Iman in Dolce & Gabbana: Can you say Michelle Obama, size 00?? Prim, proper, almost "Diplomatic". The perfect white lace sheath dress. Chanel looks radiant.

And Last But (Certainly) NOT Least...Miss Naomi Campbell:

In Alexander McQueen. I'm sure up close this gown is a Piece of Work and incredible in fact. And I'm sure on the runway, those layers and layers of sliced chiffon did their magic. But on Naomi, she just looked like a Grecian Goddess Statue...who got stuck in a tornado, unfortunately. On a Positive Note: The hair reminds me of my Mom, Raquel in Caracas Venezuela circa 1975 at the "County Club".

0 Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2011: Gucci, Prada

Anjelica Huston, 60's/70's Chic, Chartreuse, Fuchsia, Croq-skin and YSL Mondrian Dress References...Ciao Milano Fashion Week!!!

Fall According to Frida: Gucci Fall/Winter 2011

Gucci Fall/Winter 2011:

Is The Train to Florence Here?: Gucci Fall/Winter 2011

It's Milan Fashion Week kids. I discussed my Highlights of NY Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2011 these last couple of weeks as well as Madrid and London Fashion Week Postings HERE and HERE. And so the fashion catwalk continues...For Gucci's 90th Anniversary (90th!!!), Designer Frida Giannini went 70's Glam showing PLUNGING necklines, lots of luxe fur, flowing silk chiffon "Disco" dresses, culottes, silk half-circle skirts and Fedoras. The models can only be described as having a Can-Someone-Tell-Me-Where-My-Driver-Is Attitude that looked chic, effortless and yet Bitchy at the same time: Love it! Colors were no-holds-barred VIBRANT: Chartreuse, bubblegum pink fuchsias, deep violets, lipstick reds. You want Black,? Look somewhere else girls.

Giannini said she was inspired by Anjelica Huston, among other things. I can see it: The Styling and look of the collection reminded me of the Style Icon, especially from a 1970's "snapshot" of her with Jack Nicholson; the slicked hair, the red lips, the I-just-threw-this-on fur...that decolletage! Here are some Highlights...including the Shoes and Purse You Need To Have, come this Fall...

Campari and Soda: Gucci Fall/Winter 2011

Oops, that's my leg: Model Chanel Iman in Gucci Fall/Winter 2011

Milano Disco: Gucci Fall/Winter 2011

Python Fierce: A covered Pump, Gucci Fall/Winter 2011

T-Strap Princess: The Strappy heel of the Season from Gucci Fall/Winter 2011

Bag DIVA: Gucci Fall/Winter 2011 mini-bag

Watch FULL Gucci Fall/Winter 2011 Runway Show:

Prada Fall/Winter 2011:

Color Blocked: Italian Supermodel Mariacarla Boscono Prada Fall/Winter 2011

Miucca Prada unveiled her Fall/Winter 2011 Prada Collection, and of course it had all the Prada "stamps": Kitschy "Thrift Store Couture" looks, boxy 60's shapes, bag-lady chic prints and We-Need-To-Have accessories. It was all very Courreges-meets-Paco Rabanne in a way.

Marcia Marcia: Prada Fall/Winter 2011

Yes, there were 60's influences, but there were also 1920's "Amelia Earhart"-meets-early 70's looks a la Marcia Brady looks as well, with those drop-waist dresses above and below...

Drop-That-Belt: Prada Fall/Winter 2011

There was also an overt nod to THE Master: Yves Saint Laurent, and his iconic 1965 Mondrian dress above.

Also evident in the just-unveiled Prada Fall/Winter 2011 Collection: Lots of Croq-skin. In luxurious colorful drop-shoulder boxy coats as well as...

These ankle-grazing shoe-boots that EVERY Fashion-Girl will risk not paying her next months rent for. I would! Just sayin'

Fish Scale Cocktail: Prada Fall/Winter 2011

For evening: Neon colors and over-sized paillettes and long fuzzy fur. As is usual with the House of Prada, there were NO GOWNS, but that doesn't mean that we might not see one or two Custom Prada Gowns at the Academy Awards Red Carpet this Sunday!

And finally: May I show you THE Must-Have Prada Sunglasses for your next trip to the Italian-Swiss Alps this coming Winter. Time to put my early order in! Watch FULL Prada Fall/Winter 2011 Runway Show:

0 Vogue's Met Ball 2010 Red Carpet Fashion: Best and Oh No They Didn't!

Met Ball DRAMA!
Duvet Crazy: Andre Leon Talley and Whoopi Goldberg in Chado Ralph Rucci

Last night was the Met's "American Woman: Fashioning A National Identity" Costume Institute Gala. This year’s exhibition, organized by the curator Andrew Bolton, looked at styles between 1890 and the 1940s, relying on pieces from the Brooklyn Museum’s collection like Worth gowns and gray wool walking suits. And as it has been in the past, it was a collision of Fashion and Hollywood. It has become the fashionista sister to the Academy Awards red carpet. Actresses take more risks and there are more "editorial" looks. Some things stood out: Lots of "So-and-So for The Gap" (the entire exhibition is sponsored by The Gap). We know that several US designers have collaborated with The Gap and Miss Anna Wintour is "in charge" of choosing who gets to do it-or at the very least, suggesting it (see "The September Issue"). Now I know that this silk charmeuse $10,000 bias-cut gown by Sophie Theallet (for The Gap) on Jessica Alba AIN'T going to be at my Glendale Galleria Gap Store any time soon... But it WAS , one of my favorites.
There were several "Silhouette Themes": SLITHERING and SLINKY, as seen on Iman, wearing Prada--who has just signed on as the new co-host of Bravo's "The Fashion Show" (Bye, Kelly Rowland, Hello Iman!)--as well as model-turned-actress Amber Valetta, who I thought looked very elegant in RM by Roland Mouret. There was also some BIG and BOLD statements:Anne Hathaway, in gold/nude silk tulle Valentino which was very "Dior-esque" and...Jennifer Lopez, wearing Lebanese red carpet-favorite Zuhair Murad. There were also some Tulip-shaped Gowns:Eva Mendes wore a strapless Dolce & Gabbana flower-printed gown. Some designer-and-actress collaborations tried to pay homage to the Met's "American Woman" theme, giving a nod to the late 19th Century/ early 20Th Century American Woman: Like in actress Christina Hendricks' L'Wren Scott chiffon gown and Bee Shaffer's (Anna Wintour's daughter's) Worth-like Balenciaga Edition gown.
Some of my other favorites from last night's "American Woman" Met Gala's red carpet were:
Naomi Watts , in Stella McCartney raspberry silk, one shoulder, blouson gown (with Liev Schreiber).
This was THE BEST mini-cocktail dress of the evening: Blake Lively, in Marchesa
Australian actress Melissa George in J. Mendel mustard draped silk gazar was truly beautiful.Speaking of Mustard: Stylist Extraordinaire Rachel Zoe, looked AMAZING in this Marc Jacobs velvet draped plunging-neck creation. It was modern yet still gave a subtle "I got you!" to the Met's theme. Her hair and make-up were sublime, naturally, because my good friend Joey Maalouf did it! (congrats Joey!)
I also loved this very Donna Summer-meets-Studio 54 gold lame Michael Kors jumpsuit on model Chanel Iman. This is another, very modern way, of giving red carpet. Models can usually WORK this look much more effectively than actresses.Finally, I must give a nod to the MEN. And one man stood out for me: YSL Designer Stefano Pilati, who dressed actress January Jones. But it wasn't her I was interested in, I think he looked SMASHING! If I had an extra $5,000 to spend on a tuxedo for an event such as this, THIS would be it!

Below is WWD.com video from the red carpet, Met Costume Exhibit Ball 2010: