0 Red Carpet Minute: The 34th Annual Kennedy Center Honors

Washington Meets Hollywood, Broadway, and Beyond...

Presidential Royal Blue: First Lady Michelle Obama in Vera Wang--with President Obama, who by the way, looks as if he got a "freshening up" ---either he got his teeth whitened or just got some much-needed sleep, but he looks GOOD!

This past Sunday evening, in Washington D.C., the 34th Annual Kennedy Center Honors occurred. This year's Honorees were singer/actress and Broadway and Cabaret STAR Barbara Cook, singer-songwriter Neil Diamond, cellist, virtuoso and composer Yo-Yo Ma, Grammy-winning American jazz tenor saxophonist Sonny Rollins and actress Meryl Streep.

All of Washington D.C.'s elite were there including, of course, President Barack Obama and the First Lady, Michelle. Michelle Obama wore a royal blue Vera Wang "Mermaid"-shaped strapless gown, and yes, she looked GORGEOUS! The show will be televised on December 27th on CBS but for now, what I'm interested in here, is naturally, the Red Carpet and what everyone else wore:

Meryl Streep: Academy Award-winning actress Meryl Streep wore a black scoop-neck jersey gown with gathered detail and long sleeves. It was an elegant look for her. Miss Streep loves her jersey and yes, she knows what styles/shapes work best for her. Simple, elegant and JERSEY work marvelously for her!

Barbara Cook: The other female Kennedy Center Honoree was Barbara Cook--as the Broadway (Good) Diva that she is, naturally, she wore a FABULOUS caftan! This IS going to be my look of choice when I get to be her age. For sure!

Sarah Jessica Parker: Miss SJP--always the Fashion Icon--gave everyone "Jackie O Chic" in this gunmetal-colored high-neck, sleeveless gown from Theyskens' Theory Fall 2011 from fashion designer Olivier Theyskens.

The gown featured an empire waist, center front self-covered buttons and pleats that shaped the skirt section of the gown into a very "Balenciaga"-esque silhouette. Here it is in the Theyskens' for Theory Fall 2011 Runway Show:

On Sarah Jessica Parker, it looks even less wrinkled than on the runway model--actually, it looks PERFECT on SJP...better than on the model!

Emily Blunt: Actress Emily Blunt was on hand (for Miss Meryl Streep of course!), and she wore a plum-colored strapless gown from the Notte by Marchesa line (the "diffusion"--lower--Marchesa cocktail/evening line which sells at high-end stores such as Saks Fifth Avenue).

The strapless gown had a "Sweetheart" neckline, peplum detail and straight/fitted floor-length skirt.

Sutton Foster: Tony Award-winning actress Sutton Foster (GOSH, was she AMAZING in "Anything Goes"!!) looked ravishing and so directional on Sunday night in this slate-grey matte-jersey halter dress with a metallic accent neck-piece.

It was from Michael Kors' Fall 2011 Collection, as seen above on Supermodel Karlie Kloss. On the NY Fashion Week Runway (above photo), the look was paired with matching pants. I'm glad Sutton left the pants back in the Michael Kors PR Showroom.

Other Notable Attendees (in terms of Fashion):

Andrea Mitchell: It's always nice to see non-actors and non-Red Carpet staples at events such as this--like television journalist, anchor and NBC reporter, Andrea Mitchell. She is married (as we all know) to former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan. I have to say, that Andrea looked so elegant and "Upper East Side"-chic in this strapless sequined black "Mermaid"-silhouette gown. THIS is what a LADY looks like: Kudos Andrea!

Glenn Close: Actress Glenn Close wore a copper velvet gown with a gathered center-front and drop shoulder detail. I have to admit that: I'm not a fan of this gown on Glenn Close. The draped shoulder silhouette looked a bit "saggy" on her. The velvet fabrication, did not help. She usually turns to her fashion "paramour" Giorgio Armani for big red carpet events. If this was his--I would re-think asking him or his pr team for red carpet help. It is going to be a LONG Awards season for Glenn, so let's hope she got this one bad dress out of her system!

Christine Baranski and her daughter at the Kennedy Center Honors Red Carpet: Both Christina and her daughter look resplendent in their looks. Not so sure about the waist lace-nude side panel on Baranski but I do love the shape of her black gown and especially the neck-and-shoulder draped detail. Her daughter looks FAB in a strapless royal blue gown. But darling, next time: smile!!!

The 34th Annual Kennedy Center Honors airs December 27, 2011 on CBS. I'll be watching!

0 Macy's Union Square San Francisco to host "Sex And The City 2" shopping event hosted by Nick Verreos

San Francisco, Here I Come!!!!!When I spent my high school years in the San Francisco Bay Area, we always called it "The City", so it seems appropriate that...next week, on Thursday May 20th, I will be flying to San Francisco--one of my ALL-Time Favorite Cities In The WORLD!!!--to host a Fabulous Event at Macy's San Francisco Union Square for the release of Sex And The City 2. San Francisco, to me, is a "Mini" New York City--and certainly full of sexy, glamorous and oh-so-confident fashion gals ready for "A Little Nick" in their lives.... Macy's Union Square is honoring our favorite all-girl cast, and the entire army of Carrie Bradshaw-lovers, with free gifts, fashion tips, fun & more! I will be there to walk you through closets full of affordable luxury while you enjoy refreshments, music, mini manicures, makeup tips from Benefit and sample the fragrance SJP NYC.
Miss Sarah Jessica Parker was one of the FIRST celebs to personally CALL ME (she did and I almost fainted!) when I was on Project Runway Season 2 telling me how much she admired and loved my designs so I AM THRILLED to be hosting this Sex And The City 2 SJP "love fest" at Macy's Union Square.

Here's is the info:
Macy’s Union Square
Impulse Department, Level 3
Thursday, May 20th
6:00 pm

RSVP: 1-800-786-2665

0 Iconic British Fashion Designer Alexander Mcqueen Dies

RIP Alexander McQueen
The Fashion World suffered a huge blow today with the untimely death of one of it's biggest stars. Alexander McQueen died today in his London Flat.

Police said his death is not being treated as suspicious.

A spokeswoman for McQueen said: "Mr McQueen was found dead this morning at his home. We're devastated and I hope you understand that out of respect to his family and his colleagues we're not going to be making any further statement."

A message on his website alexandermcqueen.com said: "At this stage it is inappropriate to comment on this tragic news beyond saying that we are devastated and are sharing a sense of shock and grief with Lee's family."

I have followed Alexander McQueen since his career began and have always been a huge fan and have written about him in my blog many times. Workin' the Plaid: Alexander McQueen and Sarah Jessica Parker at the Costume Institute Gala 2006

Besides being a Fashion Superstar in his own right, McQueen has dressed almost every celebrity you can think of. One of the most memorable being Sarah Jessica Parker at the Costume Institute Gala several years ago. While she ended up on many peoples worst dress list, it was one of those images that is unforgettable and definitely made a "Fashion Statement" that is the very thing McQueen was so brilliant at.

Reptilian Diva: Alexander McQueen Spring 2010

Most recently McQueen dressed Anna Paquin for the SAG Awards in a cocktail dress from his Spring 2010 Collection. This will now be remembered as his final collection and there is no doubt after viewing these reptilian inspired looks that he ended his career at the "top of his game"
Painted Lady: Alexander McQueen Fall 2009

McQueen rose to fame quickly after he received his Masters Degree in Fashion Design from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design and famously, his graduation collection was bought in its entirety by influential fashion stylist Isabella Blow, who committed suicide just 3 years ago.
Alexander McQueen: Fall 2006

He was known as the "Bad Boy of Fashion" and in his early years wore the banner proudly. In 1996 he was hired by LVMH president Bernard Arnault to replace designer John Galliano at the prestigious Couture House of Givenchy. Although he had a shaky start, he persevered and continued to design amazing collections until 2001 when he left to focus on his own label.

Alexander McQueen was a rare talent and will be truly missed.