Month: October 2014

2014 AFI Fest: "A Most Violent Year" Premiere Wish List

The final festival before the start of awards season, the American Film Institutes AFI Fest, will kick off next Thursday November 6, with the gala premiere of “A Most Violent Year.” We have seen a lot of Oscar contenders come from the AFI Fest and “A Most Violent Year” is one of the ones with lots of buzz around it this year. Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Supporting Actor are all possible nominations being thrown around for the film and I am hoping that we get to see it all the way through the Academy Awards. I am mostly holding out hope because the stunning Jessica Chastain is the Best Actress hopeful and she always shuts down the red carpet when she arrives. For the AFI Fest opening gala premiere of the film I have picked this rather simple black Valentino Fall 2014 Couture silk wool cocktail dress with side cutouts. While this is a simple plain black dress I think that with Jessica’s presence and the right accessories that this would be a best dressed worthy look. Styled with a gold Bulgari satin damask clutch embroidered in a floral pattern with pearls and semiprecious stones, a pair of black Christian Louboutin ‘Valnina’ ankle strap sandals, Bulgari emerald, diamond, and sapphire cluster earrings, and a Bulgari emerald and diamond inlaid in yellow gold cocktail ring would add the perfect accent to make this a bold red carpet statement. Sleek straight locks with her bangs out in full force and a red lip add the perfect finishing touches to a red carpet ready ensemble perfect for the AFI Fest.
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"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1" European Premieres Wish List

We haven’t had a major international promo tour this year so I am really excited to see the cast of “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1” jet set around the world to premiere the movie all around worlds most glamorous cities. Europe is where most of these premieres are going to take place, yesterday I posted my wish for the London world premiere of the film. Today I am focusing on what everyone should wear for the rest of the red carpet premieres throughout Europe. Up first if of course Jennifer Lawrence, the star and heroine of the film. All of the looks that I have pulled for JLaw to wear during this promo tour are exclusively Dior since she is the face of the brand. The first look is this stunning white tank and full tea length skirt from the Christian Dior Spring 2015 RTW collection. This is a perfect look for a city like Berlin where you can wear something slightly edgier. Pair this dress with a pair of Tom Ford suede half d’orsay pointed toe pumps in cloud blue with a gold spike heel and a wavy hairstyle would finish off this ensemble. The next is an avant garde Christian Dior Spring 2014 Couture high low gown. This gown is a statement perfect for Paris where the edge is expected. We have not seen Jen wear a lot of this collection, which surprises me because I think that it was the closest to her own personal style. Sleek slicked back hair and a pair of Gianvito Rossi black patent/PVC strappy ankle strap sandals would keep the focus on this gown perfectly. And last but not least is a glamorous Christian Dior Resort 2015 silk floral print gown. On a red carpet in Madrid I think that this gown would stand out as one of Jennifer’s best ever Dior ensembles. This mixes the sporty silhouette that works so well on JLaws body and the girly femininity that so often gets lost on her. Finish this look with a black Christian Dior leather evening bag and a pair of Christian Louboutin ‘Pina Spike’ sandals that feature a black patent toe and gold spike embellished heels to round out a trio of perfect red carpet looks for the European leg of the “Mockingjay Part 1” promo tour.
Following a fabulous run during festival season, and still promoting those films through awards season to come, I an really excited to see what Jena Malone is going to bring to the red carpet during the promo tour for “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1” throughout Europe. For Berlin, I have picked this black Ralph Lauren Spring 2015 RTW ensemble. The black long sleeve crop top sweater and silk chiffon evening skirt pair together to make a hard yet soft red carpet statement which are the type of looks that Jena wears the best on the red carpet. Finish the look with a pair of Christian Louboutin ‘Bille’ studded PVC pointed toe pump and a red lip to ensure that all eyes are on Jena and her attitude wearing this ensemble. When the film premieres in Paris I have picked yet another crop top evening look this one from the late Oscar de la Renta and his final collection for Spring 2015 RTW. This is more of a glamorous and ladylike approach to the red carpet and I think that since this stunning ensemble has an edge brought by the embellished crop top. I would create a simple wavy bob out of her standard pin straight locks, hand her a Marchesa ‘Iris’ floral embroidered box clutch, and throw on a pair of gold Christian Louboutin ‘Follies Resille’ glitter fishnet pointed toe pumps to complete the perfect look for a Parisian red carpet moment. And finally for Madrid I have picked this navy blue Valentino Spring 2015 RTW scoop neck gown that features sheer panels. This is the most elegant of the looks that I have picked for Jena to wear on this promo tour and even this has an edge via the sheer panels of the gown. A pair of Christian Louboutin ‘So Pretty’ suede pumps with laser-cut patent leather and glitter overlay, a Charlotte Olympia ‘Pandora’ perspex clutch inlaid with black lace, and another red lip would finish off a trio of perfect red carpet looks for Jena on this promo tour.
Elizabeth Banks is a pipe dream of the cast that I want to see take to the international red carpet since her character is minimal in the rest of the film series but she is one of the cast members that I love the most. For the past two promo tours Elizabeth Banks has worn an orange Atelier Versace creation at some point during the films promotions. I am hoping that she keeps this theme up again. I have picked this bright orange Atelier Versace Spring 2014 Couture draped, halston-eqsue, gown with a beaded waist would look stunning on Elizabeth at the Berlin premiere of the film. I kept the orange theme up quite literally with and Edie Parker ‘Jean’ clutch emblazoned with the images of orange slices, I think that this is a fun touch and the waist embellishments on the gown kind of elicit the same idea, and then added a pair of gold Charlotte Olympia ‘Tokyo’ sandals to finish off a fun bright ensemble. In Paris I want Elizabeth to embrace the ‘capitol’ side of her formerly colorful character wearing this colorful Maxime Simones Spring 2015 RTW black, white, pink, and blue shift gown. The color blocking and dot pattern is absolutely stunning and I think that Elizabeth has the presence to make this stunning gown a major moment on the red carpet. Keeping the colorful theme coming with another Edie Parker ‘Jean’ clutch, this one striped with pool blue, aqua blue, hot pink and silver, as well as a pair of aqua blue Giuseppe Zanotti patent leather ankle strap sandals would finish off this majorly modern bold red carpet statement. Last but not least is the simple black Elie Saab Spring 2015 RTW silk organza gown. The neck beading makes this look not boring but still classically elegant. Veronica Lake waves, a red lip, black and gold Edie Parker clutch, and a pair of sexy Christian Louboutin black sandals will finish this look off perfectly for a Berlin premiere.

"The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1" London Premiere Wish List

Ladies and gentlemen the time is upon us for the next slice of the “Hunger Games” trilogy, “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1,” promotional tour. What does that mean? The cast of the film, which has more star power than the first two films, will be jetting around the world to the most famous of international cities to premiere the film, starting in London on November 11. Of course Jennifer Lawrence will be on hand as she is the star and heroine of the film. As the face of Christian Dior there is zero doubt in my mind that JLaw will wear any other brand but Dior. I have been waiting for Jennifer to wear this black chiffon Christian Dior Spring 2014 Couture sheer gown over a black and white sequin circle detailed gown since it was first presented back in January. This gown is what Jennifer needs to have a successful Dior look. This look is sporty but still elegant. With her short wavy bob, a red lip, an Edie Parker ‘Fiona’ faceted clutch in silver, and a pair of black sandals Jennifer would stun at the world premiere of the latest “Hunger Games” installment.
Julianne Moore is a newcomer to the cast playing the character of President Alma Coin in “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1.” I am actually really excited to see Julianne join the rest of the cast on the red carpet because she always brings a glamorous edge to the red carpet. Having sat front row at the Ralph Lauren Spring 2015 RTW presentation I would love to see Julianne snatch up this silk safari inspired shirt gown. The mix of causality in the glamorous ball gown is a look that I think that Julianne would rock the hell out of on the red carpet at the “Mockingjay Part 1” premiere. Now to keep this look elegant and event appropriate I would pair this gown with a pair of gold sandals, a sleek up-do, a red lip, a pair of statement Bulgari chandelier earrings and bracelet filled with different precious stones in all the spectrum of jewel tone.
Jena Malone joined the “Hunger Games” cast last year with her role as Joanna Mason in “Catching Fire” and will be reprising the role in ‘Mockingjay Part 1.” We have really seen Jena come into her own on the red carpet in the past year. I was not really a fan of much that she wore last year on the “Catching Fire” promo tour but as of late she keeps making my best dressed list. For the London premiere of “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1” I would love to see the newly red headed actress wear this Zuhair Murad Fall 2014 Couture ensemble which features a white embellished tank and a black embellished wrap skirt. I think that this is the perfect mix of glamour and edge for Jena and this red carpet. There will be more opportunities for her to go left in other cities but the images of this premiere will be used for many many articles, reviews, and so on and so fourth. I would slick Jena’s fiery locks back almost wet style, pair the look with a white Edie Parker ‘Lara’ clutch, throw on a pair of Christian Louboutin ‘Valnina’ sandals in black, and a pair of statement earrings in a bold color to finish off a perfect look for this premiere.
Elizabeth Banks has been a prominent cast member in the first two installments of the “Hunger Games” series. I do know that in the “Mockingjay” book her character Effie is only briefly mentioned but I am hoping that since they are bringing her her into the film that we will see Elizabeth make her way around the world to promote this film. I am sure that she will be on hand at the “Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1” premiere in London and I would love to see her wear this stunning black, mint and red J. Mendel Spring 2015 RTW one shoulder silk gown which has a stunning abstract print. I think that there are few people that could make this work in an elegant way and not go left with it. Elizabeth has the presence on the red carpet to be able to wear this dress and not let the bold print take over. Simple accessories like an Edie Parker ‘Oscar’ clutch in a dark sapphire blue, a pair of silver Charlotte Olympia ‘Ursala’ platform strappy sandals, simple Chopard diamond earrings would make sure that all eyes are on Elizabeth. An elegant wavy hairstyle and simple makeup are the finishing touches that I would add to this ensemble to ensure that EBanks makes a beautiful bold statement on the red carpet at this premiere.
Natalie Dormer is another new member of the ensemble cast for “Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1” and I have to say that I am really excited to see what she is going to bring to the red carpet come the London premiere next month. The British actress will undoubtedly pull out all the stops for the films world premiere on her home turf. That is why I have picked this soft orange Nicholas Oakwell Spring 2012 Couture chiffon draped gown with bold gold embellishments on one half of the bodice and a gold belt. I think that this gown is perfect representing a British brand at home for her first major film premiere. Accessorized with a Rauwolf ‘Labryin’ clutch and a pair of gold Nicholas Kirkwood metallic leather peep tow platform pumps and finished off with an elegant updo and fresh faced glowing makeup and Natalie will wow amongst the red carpet pros that are also in the cast.

In Memoriam: Oscar de la Renta

Yesterday the world lost iconic fashion legend Oscar de la Renta. While the decline of Mr. de la Renta’s health was known, he has been battling cancer since 2006, his death came to much of the shock of the fashion industry. The designer was born in the Dominican Republic in 1932. Oscar lead a long career that started with him being mentored by Cristóbal Balenciaga after gaining an apprenticeship sketching for the designer. Following his time at Balenciaga in Spain, de la Renta took his skill to Paris where he worked as a couture assistant at the House of Lanvin and then the House of Christian Dior. In 1968, after a conversation with the then editor-in-chief of Vogue Diana Vreeland, Mr. de la Renta took his skill to the house of Elizabeth Arden. This move was the designers big break into the ready-to-wear business. Oscar stayed at Arden for two years before breaking ties and launching his own ready-to-wear label in 1965. Alongside his namesake label, Oscar de la Renta was the creative director for Pierre Balmain Haute Couture from 1993 to 2002. The Oscar de la Renta empire includes his womenswear line, childrenswear line, bridal line, handbags, shoes, jewelry, sunglasses, housewares, as well as the boutique hotel Tortuga Club at the PUNTACANA Resort and Club. In his long career Oscar dressed everyone from first ladies Jackie Kennedy, Nancy Regan, Laura Bush, Michelle Obama and his very good friend Hilary Clinton, stars of the screen like Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Garner, Taylor Swift, and Audrey Hepburn. The designer famously said “every season I am inspired by women.” And each time he did also saying “we’re dealing with sophisticated customers. What’s most important to these women is individuality. I have to create things she’ll want to wear, no matter who she is.” The designer will be deeply missed by all that knew him and those, like me, who were only able to admire him from afar.

2014 Rome Film Festival: "Trash" Premiere Wish List

We have not seen Rooney Mara give us a major red carpet since the Oxfam charity gala last December at the Dubai International Film Festival, and I am hoping that she will take to the red carpet at the Rome Film Festival and rock some high glamour. The stunningly awkward actress would look stunning gliding down the red carpet at her premiere of “Trash” wearing this stunning white Valentino Spring 2015 RTW puffed cap sleeve a-line gown that features metallic silver starfish embroidery. I always ask myself when picking out a dress for Rooney to wear on the red carpet, “Would a young Audrey Hepburn wear this if she were at hear peak right now?” If the answer is yes then I see that as an impeccable red carpet moment. Her hair pulled into a tight bun, a red lip, and a pair of silver sandals will ensure that this gown is styled perfectly for the Rome Film Festival.

2014 Rome Film Festival: "Time Out Of Mind" Premiere Wish List

Jena Malone is one that I kinda love and hate when she takes to the red carpet. Her very slim athletic build tends to get overwhelmed by a lot of silhouettes and when she gets it right she gets it right. I think that for the Rome Film Festival premiere of “Time Out Of Mind” I think that Jena should wear this J. Mendel Spring 2015 RTW black, silver and white gown which features a modified halter neckline with a metallic, macrame lace and jacquard construction in a geometric panel design with a split up to there. I would actually pair this gown with the runway strappy pointed toe pumps that the gown was paired with on the runway, a white Edie Parker clutch, and a smokey eye will ensure that Jenna has the perfect red carpet look for a film festival that has been severely lacking in glamour so far this year.

2014 Rome Film Festival: "Eden" Premiere Wish List

With some big roles, including a staring role in the “How I Met Your Mother” spin-off “How I Met Your Dad,” in her upcoming projects, Greta Gerwig has been doing a lot of the red carpet song and dance around the world and looking fabulous doing so. With the Rome Film Festival premiere of her film “Eden” upcoming next month I am hoping that we will see Greta wear a stunning couture creation for the red carpet. This black and red Armani Prive Fall 2014 Couture strapless gown that features a stunning sculpted peplum bustier and hourglass shaped skirt. While this gown doesn’t have yards of extra fabric to make it dramatic I think that the way that this gown would be worn would make this a bold red carpet statement. Hair styled in a 1930’s style curled bob, a red lip, a black Edie Parker clutch, and a pair of black Stuart Weitzman ‘Nudist’ sandals would finish this look off to create that impact making ensemble that I know that this would be.

2014 Rome Film Festival: "Stonehurst Asylum" Premiere Wish List

Kate Beckinsale is a red carpet diva every single time she takes to the red carpet, sadly we do not see enough of her on the red carpet. I am hoping that despite is off the main slate appearance that Kate will grab up a stunning red carpet ensemble when she premieres her film “Stonehurst Asylum” at the Rome Film Festival next month. Most red carpet critics will roll their eyes at the fact that I have picked yet another mermaid silhouette for Kate to wear on the red carpet but I think that this stunning Elie Saab Fall 2014 ice blue strapless gown would be a perfect impact making red carpet ensemble. I would style this look with a matching ice blue Edie Parker pearlescent clutch, a pair of silver Jimmy Choo sandals, and some amazing Chopard statement chandelier earrings would finish this look off in a simple and stunning way to ensure that all eyes are on Kate at her big premiere.