A Night For the Stars... and Fabulous Gowns

The Oscars is a chance to praise and applaud the fabulous work of the elite..... the fashion designers.  Valentino must have agreed, as he personally escorted one of his signature red looks down the runway.  Watching Valentino showcase his gown on host Anne Hathaway, and giving us a few words of wisdom was an added highlight of the red carpet special.  Such an honor to be on the arm of a fashion legend, Anne should have considered keeping the Valentino gown on at least for her first moments hosting on stage.  It was definitely her best look of the night.

  There were a few pieces from MBFW that I was shocked didn't make their debut tonight, but the choices were perfection.   High necklines, pastels and purple hues, and sleek silhouettes were trending down the red carpet.  Very few flaws (cough! cough! Melissa Leo), I was pleasantly pleased with nearly every stunning look that made its way to the 83rd annual Academy Awards.  Take a look at GZ's Red Carpet Oscars Picks.

TOP FIVE 

Mila Kunis is Elie Saab

Mila gets my top pick again! I have to admit that I am completely obsessed with this gown.  I am dying to wear this dress to.... ANYWHERE!  Love this look, sexy but sweet.

Cate Blanchett in Givenchy Haute Couture

Always so fashion-forward.  Loving the up-close shots of the detail in this amazing Givenchy gown.

Anne Hathaway in Valentino

Why couldn't she have just left this look on throughout the night?  Anne saved her best for....first.

Michelle Williams in Chanel Haute Couture

A huge step up from her flower child look at the Golden Globes in this sleek little number.

Scarlett Johansson in Dolce & Gabbana

Perfectly on trend in gorgeous lace...and in the perfect hue.

RUNNERS-UP

Although not in the top 5, these looks are more than worthy of a little blog-cred.

Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa

Perfectly age appropriate, this young starlett looks like a princess.

Amy Adams in L'Wren Scott

Stunning gown, however, I really wanted her to lose the necklace and tie her hair back.  If these little flaws had been curtailed, she would have undoubtedly been a top pick.  

Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein 

Shimmering and sleek, Gywneth gives us another look causing every woman to envy her rocking bod.

Natalie Portman in Rodarte

Much better shade, and sans flower.  Thank you.  This is the way you rock the red carpet pregs.

Hillary Swank in Gucci Premiere Couture

I am partial to feathers, but this ombre ostrich is simply gorg.

Halle Berry in Marchesa

I love this gown, sexy, flirty, and a fabulous color for Halle, however something about it feels just off enough to not keep her in my top picks.

Mandy Moore in Monique Lhuillier

Metallic nude with a bright red lip, Mandy scored big fashion points with this shimmering choice.

SANTA FE, ARE YOU THERE?

Proenza Schouler Fall 2011

Please excuse my "Newsies" tribute, but when I read the words Santa Fe, I am immediately reverted back to childhood memories of watching Jack Kelly (Christian Bale) singing, longing for the western city.  Inspired by a trip to Santa Fe, Jack McCoullough and Lazaro Hernandez incorporated Native American references into yet another lust-worthy collection at Proenza Schouler.  Although this was only one of many Fall 2011 collections possessing a tribal influence, PS didn't disappear into the crowds.  Their pixelated prints were original and eye-catching. In a wide array of mustards, reds, and saturated neutrals, every slouchy pant, tailored jacket, cozy knit, and updated pencil is fantastically fresh.  

I find myself frustrated with my complete infatuation with this collection, but perhaps the ever so steep price tags of PS will only continue my motivation down a successful career path.  Although these creations have so far only been viewed on a 5'11'' uber thin model figure, it is obvious that each sleek silhouette will be equally as flattering on the bodies of those of us with a slightly more typical physique.  Even the southwestern velvet prints are incredibly chic, with cuts that don't add the extra bulk of say the braided velvets at Carlos Miele (not a personal FW fav).  Beautiful styling, wearable creations, and heart skips a beat designs....Proenza, you had me a first look.  

Above Photos Stolen From Style.com

BRIGHT COLORS GONE BAD

Although my day to day color palette typical consists of an array of blacks, grays, and navys, I am excited for the bright colors of spring 2011.  With a fresh new coating of snow on my doorstep, I am even more ready for chirping birds and flowing spring looks. This spring it is all about color.  Pairing these Kool-Aid colored shades with an equally but contrasting hue is totally on trend.  Red, tangerine, turquoise, or magenta... throw on a few together and you are right on trend with spring's bright colorblocking phenomenon.  Shades you think typically clash are now the hottest new color duo for spring.  We love it! 

Jil Sander, Proenza Schouler, Prabal Gurung, Z Spoke.

Photo Stolen From Refinery29

As excited as I am for spring, and as eager as we all are to put away our bulky sweaters and snowboots, it is important to use the latest trends in an appropriate manner. 1980's orange puffer jacket and fuschia, raw silk trousers do not equal fashion forward colorblocking.  If only someone had given this woman the memo.

 Believe it or not....Photo Taken as Above Enters the Carolina Herrera Show Last Week

ROCKER CHIC BADGLEY MISCHKA

A fantastic seat (third row) at Badgley Mischka was vital to getting these up close pics of the beauty and styling details that made the show a huge success.  The models' hairstyles were complete with bedazzled parts.  Some loved, some hated, and while looking over the shoulder of the Fug Girl next to me, some texted that they "weren't sure how they felt about it."  To me it was the perfect finishing touch on an exquisite collection that screamed beauty and elegance, and perhaps a hint of goth.

Each look was styled to perfection with every detail considered...all the way down to the gold and silver half-moon nails, topped off with a sheer overlay and a heavy hand of red glitter.   A dark palette with large pops of pinks and magentas (a trend throughout NYFW), the styling was a precise balancing act between hard and soft. Silk draping, colorful leather gloves, and ornate embellishments were seen alongside knits, fur, and luxurious Badgley Mischka handbags.  Black veils were added to a handful of looks, pumping up the volume on the rocker chic beauties that strutted down the runway.  Even the background provided spectators with a hint of the nitty gritty, giving the appearance that the uber fierce models were walking through an alley way only illuminating by the golden light of the street lamps.  Any number of these looks could easily be seen on the likes of wickedly sweet Kelly Osbourne, who sat front row between Kellie Pickler and Rumor Willis.

Badgley Mischka's overall presentation was a front runner in the collections that I had the opportunity to witness.  The pieces spoke for themselves, but were amplified by the fantastic production, styling, and beauty that surrounded the ten minutes of show time.  The tenth look, a jewel-encrusted ombre top tucked into a high-waisted black skirt was by far one of my favs.  The addition of metallic gloves and a miniature top hat cocked to the side (complete with the signature black veil) gave this look the ultimate sex appeal. 

Hands down, THIS was a show.  A complete production with every detail examined to the fullest.  My soon to be purchased miniature top hat off to designers Mark Badgley and James Mischka for a job well done.  

Final Look

EAT YOUR HEART OUT MIDDLETON

I understand that an English designer is in the forefront to design Middleton's gown into royalty, but with the stunning pieces that I saw at Monique Lhuillier, it is a shame that this designer isn't in the running for the job.  Every piece fit for a princess, I was beyond wowed at the gowns toward the latter part of the runway show.  It is the only show in which my camera battery decided to bail. Such a shame as I sat third row and was ready to snap some elegant pics.  Words can't describe the beauty of these garments in the flesh.  Seeing them in person takes my appreciation of Lhuillier's works of art to a whole other level.  

Photo Stolen From Style.com

Heaps of lace, volumes of chiffon, and elegant plays on texture were abound throughout the dark palette of Monique's Fall 2011 collection.  Not always a fan of the one-shouldered look, I am surprised at how infatuated I became with her one-shouldered black gown, encompassed in sheer black tulle and encrusted with gold embellishments.   Red carpet worthy no doubt, this mermaid shaped number caused quite a raucous as far as an increased level of camera flashes go.  This amazing creation was in good company with a sea of equally ambitious and perfectly constructed pieces assuredly worthy of the red carpet or an event fit for a queen.   

Photos Above Stolen From Style.com

Aggravated with forgetting to charge my camera, I attempted to snap a few with the iPhone.  The results weren't fantastic, but one blurry finale pic was "good enough" to display and I was able to snap a couple of pics of the more than pleased front row made up of Brittany Snow, Julia Stiles, and Alexandra Richards...and of course took advantage of the photo opp of the fabulous Miss J. Alexander.

Monique Lhuillier Fall 2011 Finale

Brittany Snow, Julia Stiles, & Alexandra Richards 

Front Row at Monique Lhuillier

Miss J. Alexander Post Monique Lhuillier

ADD A LITTLE SPARK

MBFW 

So far, I haven't ventured much into the art of street style photography, however I did photograph this blonde bombshell (Joanna Hillman of Harper's Bazaar) as she entered the Carolina Herrera show.  Obsessed with her look, we had to take note.  From the waist down, a sparkly maxi of grey, blue, and black hues, a fantastic piece for sporting the evening for day look.  Her strong shouldered, classic black blazer allowed just enough of her scribble-print top to make its appearance.  Black tote, black specs, pink lips, and tousled blonde locks top off the perfectly styled ensemble.  Chunky black ankle boots barely peaked as she strutted into the theatre, but with this skirt, for once, who's looking at the shoes?  By far one of my favorite looks of the entire fashion week, we simply had to share.  

A Walk In Your Shoes-Peter Clarkson

Peter Clarkson.  Age 25. Wilmington, NC. Assistant/Server/Sometimes Retail Employee

Chance should have it that I met Peter last year in Wilmington, NC.  We share a mutual love for fashion.  He would even come into the upscale women's boutique, Beanie + Cecil, where I worked at the time, begging for Beanie to carry men's clothing.  He knew good taste when he saw it.  Peter was waiting tables at a fantastic little french restaurant in the same shopping center...a fantastic excuse for us girls to call in for delivery! After a couple of drinks and attending an Alice + Olivia fashion show together, I knew we were on a fast track to friendship.  Peter is one of those interesting folks that you just meet and instantly want to be his friend.  He has that interesting appeal that makes you want to know more.  When asked about his hobbies, Peter states that currently his hobbies include "moving, traveling, trying out new careers, being as social as possible, remaining active and all in all, just trying to make my time on this earth as interesting as I can."  And from what I know about Peter, he is doing just that.  Living life to the fullest, one day at a time.  

Favorite Pair of Shoes?

"Presently, my favorite shoe is a Varvatos "Barret" Hidden Lace Boot… I describe them as being a combat-Chukka hybrid."

(pictured)  

Why?

"What I love about this shoe is its versatility.  I can where them sloppy and slouchy and leave the laces hanging out so that my slim-cut jeans bunch at the top.  Or, I can lace them up and cuff my pants to just above where the boot stops.  Maybe I am mistaken, but I like to think they can be worn to any occasion depending upon how I style them.  The leather is fairly lack-luster yet takes on a good shine with a little leather lotion that typically only lasts about one night."

How?

"I had been eyeing this particular pair of boots for a long, long time.  The price tag didn’t exactly fit into my newly tightened budget, so I managed to resist an impulse buy.  A few months back I was asked to model for a local magazine for the Holiday Fashion spread and what was I asked to wear but these damn boots.  I had made a point to keep them off my feet lest I fall in love with their ideal fit… the feeling of new and slightly uncomfortable… discomfort that you know will either fade or be overshadowed by the shoe’s perfect aesthetic.  With the help of a slight discount, some in-store credit and some internal persuasion, I bought them shortly thereafter." 

Favorite Shoe Designer/Label?

"Frye, Fiorentini + Baker (such classic leather work) Common Projects, Duckie Brown for Florsheim (both emphasize what is already great about classic designs) Zuriik, Tretorn (taking comfortable materials and shoes and adding just a little something extra to bring some edge."

Most Important Factor When Purchasing A Pair of Shoe?

"For me, shoes are either investment pieces or the complete opposite.  I’ll slop around in some H&M sneakers throughout the day but when the sun goes down or there’s some type of occasion where my footgear is going to matter, I’m going to wear pieces that have unique twists on classic looks.  For instance, my Frye’s look like a simple pair of black boots, but when viewed from the side have the detail of very sturdy zipper running from sole to top." 

Runners-Up?

"My Frye Jayden boots were a gift from an adoptive mother-type figure in my life.  She heard me describe them and was able to identify based on my description exactly the boot I wanted.  The zipper up and down the side makes them different from most other boots (especially Frye boots) you see dudes wearing.  They were my go-to kicks for a long time."

Dream Pair of Shoes?

"Presently, I’m lusting after a pair of the Florsheim DB perforated oxford.  Fashion forward design on a classic style… the slim, round laces are brass tipped and the perfectly constructed, rich-brown leather shoe is perforated nearly everywhere except where the shoe laces (closer to the eyes)." 

Shoe Story to Tell?

"As a kid I had this pair of penny loafers.  I put 1986 (the year of my birth) pennies in both shoes and wore the hell out of them.  My mom would dress my brother and I for formal events in our tan trench coats and brown penny loafers.  I remember at one point realizing that my pants were becoming high waters and hung ever so slightly too far above my loafers.  I never wore them again… but looking back, I imagine this outfit was pretty geek-chic."  

Photos Provided By Peter Clarkson

Follow Peter via Twitter

LET'S GET COMPETITIVE

Craigslist Ad is Posted and the Competition has Begun!

Golden Zipper is looking for a talented artist/designer to design a new banner for the blog.  Going for a new, more edgy feel, I want something creative that has the name "Golden Zipper" included.  I am heading towards a more minimalist feel.  I need this to be more sophisticated and stand out.  Photographs, sketches, drawings, anything creative is an acceptable submission.  Feel free to email me with any questions.  

Essentially, I don't want quite as much color, but perhaps a hint of a "gold hue"...just an idea and not a requirement.  I am a lover of black and white. I love graffiti.   I love creativity.  I love a mix of hard and soft.  It is an open ballpark. Although an artist myself, my mind has been spinning as to what exactly I want... therefore I haven't gotten far enough with a finished product, constantly changing my mind.  So now it is up to you. This is a competition that will be posted on my blog as well.  There is not a monetary compensation but with the large amount of traffic that my site receives, this is a great way to get your name heard and your talent seen!  Not to mention a fantastic resume builder.

Five Finalists will be chosen and displayed on the site along with the artists' names.  

The final winner may be asked if they would like to help with images on other blog pages.

Please email submissions.  Serious submissions only.  Deadline March 5, 2011.

Cuddly Kicks

While enjoying a bottle of wine at The Ace Hotel, my husband and I had our first sighting of the Jeremy Scott Teddy Bear Sneakers...well in person and actually being worn. We asked to snap a pic (unfortunately the lighting killed the shot) and gave him props for being our first encounter.  Luckily I had another opportunity to catch him in action.  And how ironic that I would see him the next morning, still rocking these cuddly kicks. I just can't get enough. Perhaps it's fate.

Carolina Herrera Fall 2011

Carolina Herrera 

Sure, I have covered Carolina Herrera's collections for years, via Style.com or NY Mag, but seeing these elegant creations come down the runway was on an entirely different level.  Beautiful pleats, exquisite embellishments, and show-stopping fur detailing was found throughout Herrera's Fall 2011 collection.  And the movers and shakers of the fashion community were there in full support.  The Lincoln Center theatre was a packed house.  I felt honored to be in attendance with Grace Coddington, Joe Zee, Robbie Myers, Miss J. Alexander and Nina Garcia.  Christina Hendricks (and let me just say gorgeous) and Gabrielle Union sat front row, clearly pleased with the looks of the runway.

Grace Coddington Arriving At Carolina Herrera

Joe Zee Arriving at Carolina Herrera

As expected, Carolina showcased clothing for the elegant woman.  Before the show, the designer remarked, "sometimes you get carried away and are inspired by the moon or the stars or a book that you're reading," however we felt that this collection was incredibly focused, with few lofty, starry eyed mistakes.  Classic and conservative cocktail and formal pieces walked down the runway in a wide variety of neutrals, hints of reds, and beautiful muddy prints.  Fantastic separates, including sharp jackets with perfectly placed fur detailing assuredly made it every buyer's list. The introduction of teal in the latter part of the show didn't seem to mesh with the rest of the collection, marking the only "flop" in the entire presentation.  As always, there were a handful of classic Carolina Herrera-esque pieces, undoubtedly designed with a personal event in mind..but it would be a C.H. show without these signature looks.  Two pieces prior to the final look was by far my favorite in the collection.  A gorgeously sleek gown of gold with a minimal, sheer black overlay and metallic embellishments, this piece will undoubtedly be seen on the red carpet.

Christina Hendricks Being Interviewed After The Show

Shortly after exiting the theatre, I was asked if I thought Carolina Herrera was a "Top Ten Show."An interesting question, but without hesitation, I exclaimed, "definitely, when it comes to the elegant woman."  My heart with always belong to the fashion forward Marcs and Phillips of the world, but Carolina's collection is graceful and sophisticated.  Her pieces will once again be flying off the shelves and into the arms of her polished clientele.   Herrera has a rare ability to stay modern and fresh while simultaneously remaining elegantly classic, and I am honored to have seen her Fall 2011 collection up close and personal.

Carolina Herrera Fall 2011

Carolina Herrera Fall 2011

Carolina Herrera Fall 2011 Last Look

Carolina Herrera Fall 2011 Finale

Carolina Herrera