CFDA 2014 Red Carpet

The Council of Fashion Designer's of America (CFDA) awards were last night in New York. It is a big night in fashion with a vast array of creative personalities arriving in an equally wide array of looks.

I will share my favourites as always with a side note about the look the Internet is buzzing about with mixed reviews.

Rihanna's arrival provoked a digital frenzy of posts with everyones virtual 2 cents about her look. I felt compelled to add mine.

I would have LOVED this look if it was lined. I understand that the shock factor was possibly the point of the look but it just looked a little over done to me. There was a potential for a major Josephine Baker-Chic moment here that was missed. The bear breasts are fabulous, if you are doing a burlesque show but at this venue it felt like she was trying a little too hard to make a statement. Sometimes, even in fashion the best statements are made simply and effortlessly. There is no disputing her body is rockin, the makeup was gorgeous and I adored the jeweled head scarf complete with 'kiss curled' hair at her cheeks. The real fur is tacky and unnecessary with all the amazing faux fur textile options. I loved reading that over 200,000 Swarovski crystals were used in this custom mesh creation done by designer Adam Selman. This look would have been my undisputed FAV using a little simple style math. Add a liner, minus the fur (or replace the real fur with faux).

This sheer/nude look is nothing new either. Cher did it in the 1970's when it was truly novel and in a much more classy way in this Bob Mackie Jumpsuit. The class is in the coverage and the illusion of nude.

and then there was 1974 ...

Some CFDA Style winners for me from last night.

CoCo Rocha in Christian Siriano

 Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen in the ROW

Olivia Palermo in Ann Taylor Fringe Top/Skirt

 Olivia Wilde in Vintage

 Rachel Zoe in Custom Rachel Zoe Collection

 Emmy Rossum J Mendel

Nina Garcia

Busy Philips dress by Honor; jewels by Irene Neuwirth.

 Model Karen Elson in Michael Kors

Who were your favourites? 

Animal Glitz

Fabric: Printed Metallic Sequins on Lace ($105/yd)

Happy Stylish Saturday everyone! My style inspiration today is a little 'Animal Glitz' - Sequin prints that resemble an animal print. We all have (by WE I mean me) hoards of traditional animal prints in our closets. What about 'animal inspired' prints with a little bit of glitz? 

Jayma Mays in black shorts, a gold sequined  print Rachel Zoe blazer and burgundy Jean-Michel Cazabat pumps.

Rachel Zoe Pre-Fall 2013

Image: Tamara Wickstrom

Evolution Vintage: Sequin Abstract Animal Print top - $85

Prefer a Peacock?

SOLD

Vintage 60's Lillie Rubin Gown with 'animal print' sequin bodice ~ $295 

The ultimate fashion Rorschach test. I see abstract animal prints here, what say you? 

A JUMP Start

1973

My closet is an eclectic mix of shapes, colors, textures and decades. Of all of the pieces I have a soft spot when for a Jumpsuit when I dress.  I have several and am always on the hunt for really special pieces. When you have this fashion moment it can Jump Start you to a whole other style dimension.  The Jumpsuit has a history of over 90 years. The tricky part about this one piece wonder is the fit in the 'crotch' - getting an accurate waist-crotch measurement will sincerely help you if in an on-line quest for a jumpsuit. The word  “Jumpsuit” originated from the utilitarian, one piece garments worn by aviators and parachutists, hence the word 'jump'. It came to represent any garment that was one piece with arms and legs, used by astronauts, mechanics, women workers in WWII, race car drivers to rock stars and some of the most stylish women on the planet as the garment evolved.

According to VOGUE (Italia) the Jumpsuit made it's debut in 1919 as a futuristic garment cut from one pieces of material (African Canvas), a Russian designer followed suit in 1923 with the famous designer Elsa Schiaparelli in the early 1930's designed them, like this one that is now at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

In America the jumpsuit was a functional garment for women starting in WWI (1914-1918) who were working in the factories.

This jump start caused the suit to evolve into the current and chic piece that it is today.  You can see the jumpsuit through fashion history as both a functional and fashionable garment. 

A-la 'Rosie the Riveter' women during WWII (1939-1945) wore utilitarian work one piece jumpsuits in factories across North America. The functional side of the jumpsuit:

Workers in Boeing Plant during WWII

It was worn through the 1930's also in a fashionable cpacity.

1939

The late 30's-1940's gal took to the beach in her jumpsuit as beach / lounge wear. 

Bette Davis in Swimsuit / Joan Blondell in beach suit

1950's

                                                            Elizabeth Taylor

1960's

Helmet Newton Image - 1966

The jumpsuit made a HUGE resurgence in the 1970's and 1980's

70's Polyester Polka Dot Jumpsuit ~ $65

VOGUE 1971

Jerry Hall

70's Printed Jumpsuit ~ $85

1980's

Cherie Curry and Joan Jett

80's Liquid Metal - Animal Print Jumpsuit ~ $75

80's AJ Bari Polka Dot Jumpsuit ~ $80

80's Metallic Top Jumpsuit ~ $60

1990's

 Gianni Versace Jeweled and Bell bottom suits!

S/S 1991

2000's

 Gwen & Iman

MYTH: Jumpsuits are only for tall girls. WRONG: They can be worn by all women regardless of shape or size. The correct cut, draping and fit for your body type is the only issue. Waist/Crotch measurement needs to be accurate. Avoiding the dreaded camel-toe is key!

SJP in Elie Saab2013

Miley Cyrus

GQ 2011

Petra Nemkova

 Rachel Zoe

Vogue Italia 2010

Are You ready for your JUMP start?