KENDALL JENNER AND MARY J. BLIGE WEAR LA PERLA HAUTE COUTURE TO THE 2017 COSTUME INSTITUTE GALA IN NEW YORK

Kendall Jenner and Mary J. Blige attend the 2017 Met Gala clad in two creations from the La Perla Haute Couture Collection designed by Creative Director Julia Haart. Jenner donned an all-over crystal draped gown in dégradé shades, complete with a barely-there painted macramé bodysuit. Blige debuted La Perla’s latest innovation: latex lace. The corseted column gown in stretch tulle, latex lace, and silk cady perfectly links La Perla’s lingerie heritage with its future in haute couture.

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 01: Kendall Jenner attends the “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 1, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)
NEW YORK, NY – MAY 01: Mary J Blige attends the “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 1, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by George Pimentel/WireImage)

ABOUT KENDALL JENNER’S GOWN
Created from 85,000 hand painted and placed crystals, Jenner’s La Perla gown is a culmination of over 160 hours of work, spanning 5 cities and 26 craftsmen. Each hand painted crystal is placed en dégradé, creating a flow of color from Diamond into Jet Hematite and finishing off in Jet Black.

“I was inspired by Rei Kawakubo’s concept of ‘un-fabric’ and her ability to create movement out of seemingly immobile materials. So, I created my own ‘un-fabric’ by affixing stones to a single thread, creating a beautiful and liquid suspension that mirrored the qualities of a fine silk.” – Julia Haart, La Perla Creative Director

ABOUT MARY J BLIGE’S GOWN:
Inspired by Rei Kawakubo’s concept of ‘un-fabric,’ Creative Director Julia Haart created hand-sculpted latex lace as the principal feature for Blige’s provocative column gown. Starting with a corset that features a built-in La Perla bra, the black stretch tulle is adorned with scalloped latex lace and hand-placed boning detail.

“I am so honored to be attending the Met Gala with the legendary Mary J. Blige. Her strength and femininity inspired me to create a gown that is both tough and feminine – strong and sexy.” – Julia Haart, La Perla Creative Director

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 01: Mary J. Blige (R) attends the “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garcons: Art Of The In-Between” Costume Institute Gala at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 1, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

ABOUT JULIA HAART’S GOWN: The bordeaux stretch tulle and georgette gown is embellished with hand painted metallic feathers and crystal beadwork. Complete with a hand shredded tulle train and structured shawl collar, the look is an elegant testament to La Perla’s expertise in the world of Haute Couture.

ABOUT LA PERLA:
Founded in 1954 by the talented corsetry maker Ada Masotti, La Perla is a leading Italian fashion house renowned for its expertly crafted ready-to-wear, lingerie, and beachwear. Artisanal heritage, knowledge of the female body, blend of innovation and tradition and Italian identity are the founding values of the La Perla universe. In the second half of 2013, the company was acquired by Pacific Global Management, owned by Silvio Scaglia’s family holding and already active in the fashion industry through the world’s largest model management network, operating under the brands Elite, Women and The Society. La Perla sells its creations through a network of flagship stores, shop-in-shops and corners located in the heart of the most important fashion districts, as well as being present in the best department stores and specialized boutiques worldwide. The company, led by Creative Director Julia Haart, offers collections of ready-to-wear, lingerie, sleepwear, beachwear, loungewear, accessories and haute couture for women and men who aim at expressing their style with ease and sophistication. www.laperla.com

Katie Gallagher FW16 Collection – Veiled

Yesterday, Katie Gallagher presented “Veiled” her FW16 collection through a series of appointments during the day in the penthouse at The Roxy Hotel. Later that evening, a film of the new collection was screened downstairs in The Django, a new jazz venue at the hotel.

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About Katie Gallagher Veiled FW16
Secretive, unknown, mysterious. Black, the darkest color yet the color with no color at all, represents both full absorption and complete absence of light, evil and elegance, beginning and end, a completed cycle. Inspired by this hue that has no hue, Katie Gallagher’s FW 2016 collection, Veiled, is her second all-black collection.

Gallagher’s monochromatic collection relies heavily on textures and subtle details, featuring elements of gothic architecture, stained glass, and Harry Clarke illustrations. Recalling her initial and first all-black collection, Veil (SS 2010), Gallagher’s latest collection includes reworked pieces from SS 2010, completing her line’s cycle.

Through Veiled, Gallagher combines bold leather jackets and military-inspired trousers with delicate lace, cashmere rompers, and long slitted silk skirts. Stained glass-inspired lace textiles and hairpieces recall cathedral elements, graveyards, and old Catholic rituals. Gallagher pairs twisted seams and twill tape with velvet ribbons and zippers, defining her FW 2016 collection.

Veiled is Gallagher’s 14th collection showing during New York Fashion Week. In her past collections, she has been celebrated for her attention to detail, superior craftsmanship, and creativity. Gallagher pulls inspiration from her childhood, music and art, and her life in New York City.

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Balmain x HM Collection Launch

Everyone’s waiting for the much-anticipated launch of the Balmain x HM Collection.  Rumor has it, the collection leaked today but we waited too late to jump on the story!  At any rate, Balmain is considered to be one of my favorite designers and I have no problem waiting for the entire collection.

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Jason Merritt / Via Getty Images

The collaboration with Oliver Rousteing will be available on November 5, 2015 at HM stores nationwide. Customers can shop online or in-store for the designs.  Kendall Jenner’s also one of the models for the famous campaign.  The collection will be for menswear, womenswear, and accessories.

No worries Balmaination, Style + Life + Fashion will wait for the November launch and wave our flag for the Balmain Army!

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Photos shared via Instagram:

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Kerry Washington – The Emmys 2015

I wanted to share Kerry Washington’s red carpet look (tonight) for The Emmys 2015.  Kerry stunned everyone in this gorgeous Marc Jacobs gown; the beading was absolutely amazing and screamed high fashion!

Kerry Washington Emmys 2015

 

Dress – Marc Jacobs

Shoes – Cassadei

Clutch – Salvatore Ferragamo

Jewels – Harry Winston

Photo was taken from Kerry Washington’s Instagram

JLo and Olivier Rousteing – Paper Magazine Shoot

Today, PAPER Magazine reveals their latest cover story online of their September Issue featuring JLo and Balmain’s Olivier Rousteing shot by fashion and beauty photographer Nicolas Moore.

Paper Magazine

Paper Magazine’s September Issue Luxe in Flux cover story with Rousteing and JLo features a 6-page story shot by photographer Nicolas Moore. Moore had the unique opportunity to see the inspiration from the inside as designer Olivier Rousteing and his newly named Balmain muse Jennifer Lopez vamp it up for the pages of Paper. Paper’s September Issue dedicated to luxury fashion hits newsstands August 31, 2015.

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Photo / Editorial Credits

All Photography: Nicolas Moore / @nicolasmoore

Courtesy Paper Magazine / @papermagazine

Styled by: @marielwashere @robzangardi

Models: @JLo @olivier_rousteing

Talk about this story:

#LuxeInFlux

#nicolasmoore

About Nicolas Moore

Born and raised in New York, Nicolas Moore was first introduced to the world of fashion by his father James Moore, a photographer and film director and his mother, a German model. Moore has shot for for i-D, AnOther Magazine, Allure,Japanese Vogue, Vogue China, German Vogue, Teen Vogue, GQ, and Wonderland Magazine. He has shot celebrities including: Woody Allen, Scarlett Johansson, Kanye West, Pharrell, Nicki Minaj, Lauren Hutton, Catherine Deneuve, and Charlotte Rampling. His advertising clients include Salvatore Ferragamo, DKNY, Maybelline, Aveda, Victoria’s Secret, and Valentino. Nicolas spends his time between New York and LA and is represented byBrydges Mackinney.

Follow the artistry and photography of Nicolas Moore at

www.nicolasmoore.com

Brett Johnson Pre – Fall 2015 Outerwear Collection at Neiman Marcus

On Saturday, fashion designer Brett Johnson showcased his Pre-Fall 2015 outerwear collection at Neiman Marcus at Mazza Gallerie in Washington, D.C. Throughout the day, various VIPs stopped in to view and purchase the Italian-made jackets, trench coats and bombers.

Guests included Renee Brown (Chief of Basketball Operations and Player Relations, WNBA), menswear designer Everett Hall, attorney Mark Lefkowitz, WPGC/CBS Radio morning show producer Poet Taylor, Devon Pina (The Fashion Citizen), Cheylin Parker (Everything Girls Love), Harley Morgan (ROE: The Agency), Sheila Johnson (Founder/CEO, Salamander Hotels & Resorts) and Bob Johnson (Founder/Chairman, RLJ Companies). The trunk show was a success, garnering double the sales of last year’s event.

 

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BJC pre-fall 2015 outerwear (1)

 

ATLANTA: Brett Johnson is hosting a trunk show at Neiman Marcus/Lenox Mall on Saturday, June 20 from 10am – 5pm. RSVP at atlanta.rep@135stagency.com (invite attached)

For more information on the Brett Johnson Collection, visit https://brettjohnson.co/. Follow them at @BrettJohnsonCo.

 

Brett Johnson with dad Bob Johnson (1)

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Brett Johnson and Mark Lefkowitz

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Brett Johnson and Josh Sagman

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Cannes Film Festival 2015 – Lupita Nyongo in Couture

The Cannes Film Festival 2015 began on Wednesday, May 13, 2015 with sought after International and American directors and stars. The fashion worn by celebrities (on the red carpet) was the center of attention! Leading ladies such as Karlie Kloss, Natalie Portman and Lupita Nyongo stole the spotlight.

Designer: Gucci

 

Designer: Oscar De La Renta

[youtube height=”720″ width=”960″]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1R2x4kwzmQ&feature=em-upload_owner[/youtube]

 

View more photos here:  Baltimore Fashion and Style Examiner

Diary Sketches – Oscar’s Most Gorgeous Gowns in Sketch Form

Oscar wasn’t the only thing shining at last night’s Academy Awards. Hollywood’s leading ladies pulled out all the stops when it came to the red carpet. Capturing the most glamorous looks of the night was Laura Kay, founder and artist of Diary Sketches, who re-created the best dressed…in sketch form!

Sketching live throughout the broadcast, Kay freehand illustrated the most elegant ensembles, from Jennifer Lopez’s beaded blush Ellie Saab to Marion Cotillard Dior Haute Couture silk evening gown. Inspired by fashion influencers, industry trends and award show red carpets, Diary Sketches delivers custom fashion illustrations, portraits, art prints and more for dedicated followers of fashion and celebrity fans around the world.

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Kim Kardashian {West} GQ’s Woman of The Year – Wearing Ralph & Russo Skirt

Kim Kardashian gave a “wow” factor when she appeared at the GQ Woman of The Years Awards wearing a stunning two piece dress.  The design is actually a fitted latex bodysuit (Atsuko Kudo) and beaded skirt with a fishtail train from Ralph & Russo.

Kim’s accessories were very simple with a beaded bracelet and strappy Tom Ford pumps.  I like the combination of this style…very sexy, glamorous, and couture.  Fashionistas, what do you think?