Haute Couture F/W '14 Trend Report: All red everything

A Viktor&Rolf dress from the F/W '14
Haute Couture collection illustrated by me

Each Haute Couture season there is one super-popular color that makes editors and audience members go crazy. This time it was the color red - and we are talking about lots of it, in every shade imaginable.

The most eye-catching parade of all red looks was Viktor & Rolf's F/W '14 show. This season marked the duo's second time making couture after their long break from the extremely creative side of the business and as per they brought their
witty sense of humor along. The collection consists of twenty two red looks that unlike the competitors' garments created
for the red carpet, are actually made of one.

Another successful attempt at the all-red trend was Giorgio Armani's elegant fairy-tale. The classic Italian designer deci-ded to show a tricolored collection that put an emphasis on
the importance of red, thus showing incredibly sculpted eve-ning wear in the fiery color which is surely to turn heads on
the red carpet come awards season.

The color was inevitable in almost every other collection. Hussein Chalayn's first attempt at Vionnet saw the designer play with different shades of red in the form of pleats; Karl Lagerfeld injected the color in his feminine three-piece suits woven with concrete for Chanel; Alexandre Vauthier over-embellished a red mini with sparkling crystals and Russian socialite-cum-designer Ulyana Sergeenko used it as one of the colors for her gradient furs.

Red also found itself on the runways at Schiaparelli in the form of a fuzzy red coat, at Valentino as a long evening dress tied with a leather belt and at Jean Paul Gaultier, Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad used alongside an ombre technique for a more glamorous effect.

From left: Models from Armani Prive, Vionnet, Chanel & Alexandre Vauthier's F/W '14 Haute Couture collections

Haute Couture F/W '14 Trend Report: Ombre looks

A Jean Paul Gaultier gown from the F/W '14
Haute Couture collection illustrated by me

Over the last year we've all been witnesses of the 'ombre trend' that took the world of hair styling by storm. An endless number of girls would step out of beauty salons each day, working a newly colored 'do that usually goes from brown to extremely light blonde tips. Well guess what - the ombre technique isn't just for your hair anymore!

There were several successful attempts at ombre featured in last season's collections - most notably Burberry's Resort '15 garments that went from darker blues to white and then back again - but these color transitioning clothes were all over the couture shows from this week.

It all started at Atelier Versace, the first show on the Haute Couture schedule, where Donatella introduced an extremely luxurious version of the ombre trend by pairing gradient spark-ling turtlenecks in blue, purple and black with provocatively cut leather skirts that took the attendees' breath away.

The ombre then took a full swing at Giambattista Valli in the form of grand ballgowns which were actually consisted of ruf-fled tulle skirts and boyish shirt tops, while also appearing on Schiaparelli's runway where the new creative director Marco Zanini showed us how to subtly do gradient by using it on a pink 'Frankenstein' coat. Other notable mentions are Leba-nese designers Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad who as per de-cided to embroider their feminine ombre dresses to death and Russian socialite-cum-designer Ulyana Sergeenko who used the technique on heavy fur and mohair coats.

From left: Atelier Versace, Giambattista Valli, Elie Saab and Schiaparelli's F/W '14 Haute Couture collections

What will Julia Roberts wear to Oscars 2014?

As we are counting down the days until the 86th Academy Awards, we all probably have one question in mind: "What will the big stars wear on the red carpet?"

To answer your question, here is my prediction about the legendary actress Julia Roberts.

There was a time when Julia Roberts was a regular guest at glamorous ceremonies, dressed to the nines in a sleek Valentino gown and a shiny bun - but while her style might have shifted to low-key and far more comfortable, her love for the brand hasn't dissolved. I think Ms. Roberts will appear at this year's Academy Awards wearing one of the simplistic one-colored column dresses in earthy tones from the brand's S/S '14 Couture collection, pictured above.

Julia's favorite color - however - is black, so chances are also high that she could decide to go with something dark as to not steal the spotlight from her more-buzzed nominated colleagues in the Supporting actress category. If she does indeed wear black, I believe it will either be a custom made dress by Dolce&Gabbana, something simple from Stella McCartney or a glamorous ethereal gown by Elie Saab's latest Couture collection.

Which designer do you think Julia Roberts is going to wear to this year's Academy Awards?

Which designer do you think Julia Roberts is going to wear to this year's Academy Awards?
	Valentino
	Dolce&Gabbana
	Stella McCartney
	Elie Saab
	Other
pollcode.com free polls

Stay tuned as more outfit predictions for presenters like Angelina Jolie, Jessica Biel, Kerry Washington and Naomi Watts are coming soon!

What will Amy Adams wear to Oscars 2014?

As we are counting down the days until the 86th Academy Awards, we all probably have one question in mind: "What will the big stars wear on the red carpet?"

To answer your question, here is my prediction about the redhead actress Amy Adams.

Just like Lupita Nyong'o, I believe Amy Adams - nominated for Leading Actress at this year's Academy Awards - should wear an Elie Saab dress from the designer's S/S '14 Couture collection. The American Hustle actress has been sporting a '70s look inspired by the movie throughout the promo tour and awards season and I think she should continue that by choosing either the ethereal yellow dress with a plunging neckline or the Grecian-goddess chiffon dress in iris blue, both pictured above.

It is not excluded that Ms. Adams might wear a custom made dress by Antonio Berardi - a designer she often favors on the red carpet, the black gown with a modified neckline from Victoria Beckham's F/W 14.15 collection or the simple champagne-colored silk gown with a deep V-neck and long sleeves from Valentino Couture.

Which designer do you think Amy Adams is going to wear to this year's Academy Awards?

Which designer do you think Amy Adams is going to wear to this year's Academy Awards?
	Elie Saab
	Antonio Berardi
	Victoria Beckham
	Valentino
	Other
pollcode.com free polls

Stay tuned as more outfit predictions for actress Julia Roberts are coming soon!

What will Lupita Nyong'o wear to Oscars 2014?

As we are counting down the days until the 86th Academy Awards, we all probably have one question in mind: "What will the big stars wear on the red carpet?"

To answer your question, here is my prediction about the fantastic newcomer Lupita Nyong'o.

I personally believe the ideal fashion choice for the Supporting Actress nominated star Lupita Nyong'o would be Elie Saab. Even though I often point out Saab's lack of inventiveness and creative direction - the man can make a dramatic dress. Every year there is at least one Saab dress being worn to the Oscars and I think this year the honor will go to Ms. Nyong'o. She could either select the white ballgown with multicolored flower embellishments or a more simple gown in a striking pink color like the one pictured above.

Another major possibility is that Lupita will wear a custom made dress by Miuccia Prada as the actress recently starred in Miu Miu's S/S '14 campaign and has worn the brand several times before. Also she could end up wearing a custom dress by Chanel - a house that usually snags the year's IT star -  or perhaps an ethereal 'all american' Ralph Lauren gown from the latest F/W 14.15 collection.

Which designer do you think Lupita Nyong'o is going to wear to this year's Academy Awards?

Which designer do you think Lupita Nyong'o is going to wear to this year's Academy Awards?
	Elie Saab
	Miu Miu
	Prada
	Chanel
	Ralph Lauren
	Other
pollcode.com free polls

Stay tuned as more outfit predictions for stars like Sandra Bullock, Amy Adams and Jennifer Lawrence are coming soon!

Collection Déjà Vus - How Much is Too Much?

With the blog's new look comes a new style - it is not enough for me to just review the newest collections or present you with outfit ideas or new collections. Given the freedom and power as a blogger, I feel the need to express my opinion on problems concerning fashion that may be small to the "big" world - but matter a lot to ours.

The Big Problem - When did it Actually Start?

We are all familiar with the word 'recession' and its impact on the world economy, and more importantly - on fashion. Ever since 2008, all we've been hearing about is cutting expenses, minimalism and plain presentations. Another association that comes to mind when someone mentions the word 'recession' is the word, safe. Statistics show that since the beginning of the recession, repetitive collections have been selling like hot cakes, while risk-takers and fashion forward designers have been classified as economic failures. 

Given this, more and more designers have been jumping on the 'repetition' band wagon, desperately trying to save their companies and maximize their profits. However, while this may keep the world of fashion financially stable, what has happened to creativity?

A Growing Trend - Whose Fault is it?

Imagine a bad situation that has happened to you in life. A failed relationship, a bad date, a ruined dress. We always try to blame someone for our misfortune. And while that is a bad approach.. almost all the time, I have to point the finger to the main duo responsible for this "trend" - Dolce&Gabbana. Starting with their S/S 2010 collection back in 2009, the designers have given the word 'repetitive' a whole new meaning. Below is a not-so-complete retrospective of their work until that season (my personal favorites). What you can clearly see is the creativity behind those masterpieces, their ability to explore new themes and start groundbreaking trends. 

From left: F/W '07, S/S '08, F/W '08, S/S '09, F/W '09

What you see in the photo below is variations of the same Sicilian theme over and over again. For me, the only way to distinguish those collections is by giving them different names such as Dolce&Musicana for F/W 2011, or Dolce&Banana for the fruit/vegetable inspired S/S 2012 one. 

From left: S/S '10, F/W '10, F/W '11, S/S '12, S/S '13

The Blind Side - Who Followed?

Following in Dolce&Gabbana's footsteps, Valentino's new duo started establishing the modern Valentino girl. Dressed in nude and covered with lace and studs, she continues to haunt their shows with minor changes to this day. Unfortunately that wasn't all. Red carpet's favorite designer, Elie Saab ditched his themed shows as well, showing 5 different dresses in every color imaginable, season after season. Also let's not forget to add Sarah Burton's McQueen, Balmain - under any creative director, Pucci and Giambattista Valli as very important additions to that list. What's scary: the list is just getting bigger.

Standard beauty: Valentino S/S '11, Balmain S/S '12 , Pucci F/W '10

Important Question: Who is Letting this Happen?

Okay, we all know that fashion is a business, and business is all about money and so on. It is normal for owners of big luxury groups like LVMH and PPR to push their designers to 'be safe' and create wearable items season after season. However, why would anyone want to look the same every season? Shouldn't I, as a customer, want different themes from different designers? That way I would spend more, as I want to own at least one piece from every iconic collection. Very logical. But no, apparently that is not how things work in our fashion world. Apparently, now, what's 'in' is to drool over the same items again and again. Which brings me to this question: What idiot buys the same Dolce&Gabbana lace dress for the rest of their life? First world problems.

Exactly how many black lace dresses does a woman need? Dolce&Gabbana S/S '10 - F/W '12

Moment of Truth - How Can We Solve this?

As an individual, not me - nor you (unless you're Anna Wintour) can do much about it. However, you know what they say - think globally, act locally! The one thing that everyone can do is re-inspect their values. Instead of screaming 'Oh my God, I love that studded Valentino clutch!' that I have seen 10 times before, I would praise young designers like Alexander Wang or Christopher Kane who are trying to make a statement in this world while entertaining us. Let's also not forget the absolute legends - what's left of them after McQueen and Galliano anyway, Miuccia Prada and Marc Jacobs who bring new items to the table season after season. That is the talent we need to acknowledge. For once, forget about the pretty dresses and platform shoes and look into the future - is women wearing Dolce&Gabbana what you really wish to see?

Don't forget to share your thoughts and ideas by leaving me a comment below!

Photo credit: style.com

Couture Fashion Week 2011 - I wore what?

It was Haute Couture Fashion Week for the past 3 days in Paris, and of course my dollie got invited to all big shows and events during this (as I'd like to call it) Couture Wonderland.

Dodence_bt saw the same things as everyone else who attended, from gorgeous shows to fantastic people and of course amazing parties. But what I'd like to share with you is the outfits worn during Couture fashion week - all 11 of them!

Day 1

Where: Christian Dior/Georges Chakra
What: Stella McCartney top, Christian Dior skirt, Miu Miu shoes, Hermes clutch

Where: Alexis Mabille/Giambattista Valli
What: Christopher Kane dress, Louboutin for Rodarte shoes, Pucci bag

Where: Party in honor of Giambattista Valli
What: Giorgio Armani dress and shoes, Fendi clutch, Swarovski sapphire earrings

Day 2

Where: Giorgio Armani/Stephane Rolland
What: YSL top and skirt, Lanvin shoes, Vintage clutch

Where: Alexandre Vauthier/Givenchy
What: YSL shirt and skirt, Chanel shoes, Tiffany&Co. emerald bracelet

Where: Chanel
What: Chanel couture dress, Vintage Chanel shoes and hat

Where: Chanel After-party
What: Christian Lacroix couture dress, Swarovski pink diamond earrings

Day 3

Where: Valentino
What: Valentino couture dress, Miu Miu shoes, Fendi clutch, Sharon Khazzam diamond earrings

Where: Elie Saab
What: Elie Saab dress, belt and shoes, Tiffany&Co. emerald bracelet and ring

Where: Jean Paul Gaultier
What: Giambattista Valli dress, Moschino shoes

Where: White Fairytale Love Ball
What: Viktor&Rolf dress, Christian Louboutin shoes, Topshop brooch

What would you wear? Tell me in the comment box!

Cannes Film Festival 2011 - What to expect?

The Cannes film festival 2011 has officially started.

I must say I'm quite excited, because we are going to see many gorgeous looks on the red carpet by consistantly gorgeous stars such as Fan BingBing, Eva Longoria and Uma Thurman.
As usual, I thought of doing something creative to get into the Cannes spirit. And this year is by choosing categories, or better said trends, which could be chosen by the celebrities.

The Whites


From left: Versace Fall 2011, Alexander McQueen Fall 2011, Elie Saab Haute Couture Spring 2011, Versace Fall 2011, Alexander McQueen clutch, Miu Miu sandals

One of the most common trends at events like these is the color trend. Which color is going to be most worn? Since this year's motto is "White is the new black", I think it's pretty safe to say that we are going to see many beautiful white dresses. I'm still waiting for someone to rock that gorgeous feathered Versace dress, which I am sure is going to happen anytime soon. Another favorite of mine is the Saab sweetheart neckline dress. Simply divine.

Long Sleeved Sexiness


From left: Pucci Fall 2011, Salvatore Ferragamo Fall 2011, Elie Saab Fall 2011, Gucci Fall 2011, Gucci sandals, Bottega Veneta clutch

We all know that European weather is not at it's best right now - but that actually works in favor of this second trend. Long sleeved gowns have always been perfect for an occasion where you'd like to be appropriate and sexy without showing too much skin. But to spice up things this season, designers did show skin - or dare I say, a whole leg. The thigh-high split was seen at various houses such as Pucci and Elie Saab.

Going Big


From left: Giambattista Valli Fall 2011, Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring 2011

But if the first two trends are too subtle for some of the celebrities, there's always the one they can always count on - the bigger the better. Big gowns have always been a classic on the red carpet and they never go out of style. Whether it's Valli's simple designs with a lot of tulle or Dior's draped gowns, there is one thing known for sure - they steal the spotlight like nothing else.

The Risk Taker


From left: Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring 2011, Givenchy Haute Couture Spring 2011, Alexander McQueen Fall 2011, Gucci Fall 2011, Pucci bean clutch, Bottega Veneta clutch

And of course there are the risk takers - celebrities that have a hard time wearing something that doesn't stand out in the crowd. Whether it's because of their eccentric style - or lack of it, these people could definitely rock some of the season's wackiest designs. Starting from Givenchy's whole haute couture presentation to Gucci's sheer dresses, a front-page feature in the newspapers is inevitable.