FabSugar

Happy Birthday Chloë!

FabSugar — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:00:22 -0800

Chloë Sevigny has been a style risk taker from day one. The proof is in the pictures. In honor of her birthday today - congrats, girl! - let's take a trip down red-carpet lane to admire this fearless, fashion-forward woman. Since '98, Chloë's style has not changed that drastically. She has always favored off-kilter, yet totally sexy pieces. Black is a staple, but she doesn't turn her back on bold colors. Yellow, fuchsia, orange, purple - they're all part of her closet. She never shies away from sheer and sliced, but also rocks conservative ensembles like second skin. And, get this, she wore an oversized bow headband back when whimsical wasn't the word. Lastly, she's got some killer legs. A true fashion chameleon, we heart you, Chloë.

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Rihanna: A Fashion Metamorphosis

FabSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 04:00:22 -0800

Enter into the world of Rihanna. Since 2005, the Barbadian beauty caught my attention with her catchy songs, and even more so, her megawatt style. When Rihanna first hit the scene, she stayed within the sexy singer realm via colorful body-con frocks and separates. As the years went along, she took a turn towards high fashion. After attending numerous runway shows, Rihanna developed an edgier sense of dressing - who can forget those star shaped pasties - and started donning clothes and accessories from the likes of Chanel, Alexander Wang, and Rodarte, to name a few. Despite a tough year, the songstress continues to impress me with her daring in-your-face ensembles and experimental hairdos. Let's take a look at Rihanna's astounding fashion metamorphosis.
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Leighton Meester: A Fashion Metamorphosis

FabSugar — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:50:22 -0700

When Leighton Meester steps onto the red carpet, she's a fashion force to be reckoned with. The Gossip Girl's ensembles get more and more refined with each event. Sometimes she's super sexy, others ultra femme, and from time to time a full-on movie star in floor-grazing gowns. She's constantly switching it up, that's why she's refreshing to follow. But such was not always the case. When Leighton first hit the red carpet in 2003, her uniform of choice was jeans and fancy tops. A lot has changed since then, including her hair color. Take a trip down memory lane to see Leighton's impressive fashion metamorphosis.

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Kelly Osbourne: A Fashion Metamorphosis

FabSugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 08:00:22 -0700

It seems like yesterday when Kelly Osbourne was spotted walking the streets in her grungy attire and flaming hairdos. Remember those unflattering gowns she used to wear? Shudder! Emo girl no more. In the past year, the multi-talented gal has traded in her tees and pants for stilettos and fancy frocks. From movie premieres to fashion fêtes, this British beauty has wowed us with one look after another. Fret not, Kelly hasn't lost her edge. She is now punky and polished. Click to see how this Osbourne has changed her fashionable ways throughout the years.
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Anne Hathaway: A Fashion Metamorphosis

FabSugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 05:00:22 -0700

I confess I wasn't very fair to Anne Hathaway when I decided to explore her fashion metamorphosis. I thought I would be greeted by a fashion war zone when going back through the actress's history. The proof is in the pictures that Anne has always had a sense for fashion, but she has undoubtedly come into her own as of late. I cringed a couple times, usually around circa late '90s, but then again, all of us have cringe-worthy photos stashed somewhere. But come on, her wardrobe in The Devil Wears Prada won over all naysayers. One thing to note is that the menswear trend Anne has dabbled with lately is nothing she's unaccustomed to - she previously wore suits and even a tie on some red carpets. Most significantly, this enlightened me to the fact that Anne hasn't turned her back on any trend; she has accomplished sexy, innocent, girlie, and fashion-forward. I think we have a well-rounded risk taker on our hands!
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Fashion Metamorphosis: Yves Saint Laurent

FabSugar — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 08:00:22 -0700

With the unfortunate passing of one of fashion's greatest inspirations, Yves Saint Laurent, I thought it would be fitting to take you through the fashion metamorphosis of Yves himself, his revolutionary brand, and its many successors. What many people don't know is that YSL officially started in the fashion business when Christian Dior died in October of 1957. At the age of 21, Yves was thrust into the spotlight, and more importantly, into the role of head designer of the house of Dior. Talk about moving on up, quickly.

(L-R: Model Danielle Sauvajeon in Paris fashion show in 1968; Fall '94; Spring '02 RTW; Fall '08 RTW)

During his three-year stint at Dior, YSL set trends such as midcalf skirts when his competitors were showing knee-length. He introduced black leather jackets trimmed in fur in his "chic Beatnik" collection; it was heavily criticized. But that didn't stop him. All it did was fuel him to start his own business in 1961. His first collection wasn't so well-received, but his second collection elevated him to the status of Balenciaga and Hubert de Givenchy.

To hear more about the evolution of Yves Saint Laurent, read more

Unlike Balenciaga, Chanel, and Givenchy, however, YSL always shifted gears and rarely stuck to one look from season to season. What set him apart is that he was able to see that fashion came from the youth of the streets. He was able to understand that people wanted clothes that can translate from day to evening. Hence why he introduced his revolutionary CityPant collection and the women's tuxedo suit, "le smoking." In 1991, ready-to-wear was briefly handed over to Alber Elbaz, who was appointed by YSL himself, but he was dropped after three seasons. That's when Tom Ford stepped in. It's no secret, though, that YSL wasn't very fond of where Tom was leading the brand. In 2002, YSL retired completely, and the future of the house is now in the hands of current creative director, Stefano Pilati, who took over in 2004. Who knows where the brand will go from here, but one thing is certain: Yves Saint Laurent's creative genius will sorely be missed.

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Fashion Metamorphosis: Chloé

FabSugar — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 03:00:22 -0700

If we're going to talk about fashion metamorphoses, we can't overlook Chloé. That would be like talking about chocolate and not mentioning Godiva. Like many fashion houses, Chloé has changed hands several times, but what makes it stand out is its desirable roster (Karl Lagerfeld in the late '60s, Stella McCartney in late '90s, and Phoebe Philo from 2001-2006). Many fashion insiders, including myself, were shocked by the recent announcement that creative director Paulo Melim Andersson was being replaced by former assistant director to Valentino, Hannah MacGibbon. The reason behind the split is unknown, though some attribute it to a difference of opinion over where the brand should be headed.

To hear more about Chloé's fashion metamorphosis and to see more runway pictures, read more

Naturally, with the change of hands at fashion houses, the designs will vary slightly or drastically. In Chloé's case, I'd say it's been more subtle than drastic. Founder and French designer Gaby Aghion, who invented Ready-to-Wear as a rejection of the stiff formality of the '50s fashion, set the tone with soft, body-conscious clothes. Karl brought in romance with gauzy blouses and long skirts. Stella (left) threw in a streetwise mix of vintage lingerie to the romance, while Phoebe (center) injected sexy daywear and fluid lines. Though short-lived, Paulo (right) took Chloé to a more artsy place. One similarity to note between all Chloé designers is the innovative use of sheerness. We have yet to see what Hannah will do for the brand, but there's a good chance she'll reenact the Phoebe Philo years since she worked closely with the designer, originally as a part of the design team and later as chief designer. I'll take that and I'm sure Chloé-fan Kate Bosworth will agree!

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(L-R: Spring '01; S/03; S/04; Fall '05; S/06)

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Fashion Metamorphosis: Emanuel Ungaro

FabSugar — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 09:00:22 -0700

Once the founding designer of a fashion house has retired, creative directors switch quicker than you can utter "fashion." Fine, it's not that quick, but it happens rather frequently. Emanuel Ungaro's long lasting empire is no exception. The French designer, who describes the Ungaro woman as sexy but not vulgar, ruled from the '70s up until Spring of '02, when he passed the torch along to Giambattista Valli.

Ungaro's woman has always been feminine, but rough around the edges, and Valli stuck to that notion. During his run (left), he delivered frilly, floral patterns with just enough dishevelment. When Valli stepped down in Spring '05, Peter Dundas, a self-proclaimed nightclub-lover, took over. With him, the Ungaro woman (center) turned fierce and slick with leather and sequins. But that didn't last long - apparently the house and Dundas didn't share the same view on where the label should be headed.

To hear more of Ungaro's metamorphosis and to see runway and celebrity photos, read more

In December 2007, the current creative director of Ungaro's woman's line, 23-year-old Esteban Cortazar, stepped in. Under his guidance, the Ungaro woman (right) has rebelled from overly-feminine getups finding a home in asymmetrical and theatrical styles. Still, Cortazar hasn't turned his back on the original Ungaro gal. His Fall '08 collection sprinkled in ruffled dresses in subdued greys. We have yet to see how long this latest partnership will last. The changing of the fashion guards has left Ungaro with a very widespread past, but one thing's for sure: The Ungaro woman wears pink, embraces imperfection, and is proud to be a woman!

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(L-R: Fall 2001; F/02; F/03; F/07; F/08; Halle Berry in Ungaro; Kate Beckinsale in Ungaro)
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Katie Holmes: A Fashion Metamorphosis

FabSugar — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 16:55:44 -0700

We have witnessed a fashion metamorphosis. After Holmes' recent Celebrity Style and the announcement that Katie and newfound fashion friend Victoria Beckham, more on that later, are creating a children's clothing line I got to thinking: wait, Katie Holmes was not always a style maven. Now I was not a Dawson's Creek fan, but I did enjoy Katie's performance in the fun-ride-of-a-film called "Go." But no, she never stood out on the red carpet or in glossies as being particularly stylish. She's lucky she has a lovable dimply pretty face because if not, I would have never noticed her (no offense!). But I notice young brimming fashionistas; that's my job and duty in life, after all.

To read more of my rant, read more

Here's a little retrospective on Holmes. As you can see she has gone from an innocent, blah, slightly pudgy faced youngin' to a svelte and sophisticated lady. Holmes is about my age so I give her some credit after thinking back to what I wore seven years ago. That said, I always had some unique styling going on and it is this she lacks. I believe it's the unique and somewhat risktakers who have innate style.

This first pic is from the '98 Emmys; wait, is that a wedding dress?! The next is a poorly paired asymmetrical dress with a black cardigan - fashion no no - btw: she is at the "Eyes Wide Shut" premiere, coincidence much? Then she did asymmetry right in a lovely white pant outfit but what is with the unpolished hair & furry black clutch? Close, but no cigar. Then, we have the overdose of red look in '04 and under no circumstances is a red dress, red shoes, AND red clutch allowed on a red carpet. Enter metamorphosis. Katie is looking sleek and vibrant in Grecian turquoise with her new hubby - a big improvement. Which brings us to today where vive Le Smoking says it all.

When one marries rich (and famous), becomes BFF with someone named "Posh," and has the fashion world at her fingertips it would seem to me to be pretty easy to quickly adopt some "style." So what is that has made Holmes blossom into a young sophisticate? Money? Fame? A friend/stylist? Or is it personal style and she is embracing her innate talent? Whatever the reason, I've got a suspicious eye fixed on this one to see where her fashion persona goes next. What do you all think?

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Absolutely Fabulous

FabSugar — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:25:22 -0800

Who were her Prada bra better - Zoe or Chloe?
We caught a bit of New Moon fever; vote on Kristen's red carpet looks, view FABTV's New Moon style special, and witness Kristen's style evolution.
It's been a while since we did a celeb handbag quiz - enjoy!
Zara addict right here, check out the retailers November offerings.
The CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund awards were fashion-packed.
A Rebecca Minkoff Auburn Nikki hobo bag is up for grabs - enter to win!
Which GQ hottie was the most Fab at the Men of the Year Awards?
Master this week's The City and Gossip Girl fashion quizzes - and shop Vanessa's cozy plaid outfit.
Nastiness: jewelry made out of human teeth and hair!
Let us help you shop for Fab holiday gifts.
Go behind the steamy scenes of the 2010 Pirelli Calendar photo shoots.
It was Chloe Sevigny's birthday last week, see her tribute fashion metamorphosis.
Whish Super has the sassiest wink?