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Christian Siriano Red and Purple Ruffle Dress: Love It or Hate It?

FabSugar — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:00:22 -0700

Last night, on Make Me a Supermodel, fierce Project Runway winner Christian Siriano showed up and gave the remaining models catwalk and styling tips. He didn't come empty handed though. He brought with him a present for Holly: a high-neck, red and purple ruffle dress similar to his ombré frock from Project Runway's New York Fashion Week runway show. The judges didn't think Holly commanded presence in the frock, and I agree. Still the signature Christian dress is simultaneously loud and graceful, just the way I take my haute couture. Are you smitten?

Photo courtesy of Bravo

FABTV: The Making of Chanel Haute Couture, Look 39

FabSugar — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 15:43:02 -0700

We ooh and ahh at haute couture, but we rarely stop to think, how did they create that awe-inspiring piece? Chanel has put together a short behind-the-scenes video, revealing how Look 39 from the Chanel Haute Couture Fall '09 collection was made. It starts with Madame Jacqueline preparing the toile of the jacket after looking at a sketch by Karl Lagerfeld. Then Madame Cécile carefully examines the toile of the dress. Finally, the design is transferred onto tracing paper, and the magic begins. I'll let the work speak for itself.

Fab Ad: Valentino Haute Couture Spring 2008

FabSugar — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:00:22 -0700

I'm always game for something different, and these shots definitely fit that description.

The Mondrian-inspired background juxtaposed with Valentino's ruffly Spring couture collection, featuring model Alison Nix, is an unexpected surprise, but I think it works. I love the idea of using geometric shapes and primary colors to back such a soft collection.

Are you a fan?

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Darphin's "Haute Couture" Skincare at Fashion Week

FabSugar — Fri, 15 Sep 2006 15:34:27 -0700

For the second year in a row, Parisian skincare line Darphin set up a special Aromatic skin care bar backstage at the Zac Posen show. Models and celebs were invited to take a whiff of Darphin's Aromatic Care oils, while skin-care experts were on site to provide quick consultations about the right blend of products.

The idea is that Darphin's customized regimens are the skin-care equivalent of haute couture, and the products could be your one luxury splurge, much like a piece of Zac Posen clothing. (Posen is also said to be a big fan.) Because Darphin knows that everyone has individual beauty needs, the company offers five different oils, all of which are said to improve elasticity, renew radiance, and moisturize the skin. To read about how the Aromatic Care oils work, read more

To use the Aromatic Care oils, open the bottle, breathe deeply, and apply five drops of oil to your face and upper neck. In a gentle, circular motion, massage the oils into your skin.

The oils, which you can buy here for $75 to 100, come in five different varieties that serve different skin types, including:

Naiouli. Helps mattify combination or oily skin.
Jasmine. Suitable for all skin types. Helps firm, lift, and fight signs of aging.
Myrrh. For dry to very dry skin. Helps nourish and restore suppleness.
Rose. Suitable for all skin types. Helps hydrate tired skin.
Chamomile. Suitable for all skin types. Helps quiet and soothe blotchy or irritated skin.

FABTV: Valentino, The Last Emperor

FabSugar — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 09:27:01 -0700

If you didn't get a chance to see Valentino's flick in theaters, fret not, it's coming to DVD. Starting Sept. 8, you can add Valentino: The Last Emperor ($16) to your movie collection. Along with the original feature-length film, you'll get 46 minutes of bonus material - three mini features about the world of haute couture as well as the life of Valentino and business partner Giancarlo Giammetti. Just some things to look forward to: tours of Valentino's homes around the world, the making of one of his signature red dresses, and his farewell couture collection.

FabSugar Exclusive: Rachel Zoe, The Morning After

FabSugar — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 13:01:50 -0700

Thrilling. That best describes The Rachel Zoe Project premiere last night. The glamour, the gowns, the jewels, the tension - I knew I would be hooked the second time around, what about you? Last night we witnessed the countdown to the Golden Globes, saw Team Zoe's new studio, met some new staff, and bit our nails over the lost pink Chanel haute couture dress. Or was that just me and Rachel? I caught up with the stylist extraordinaire this morning for some coffee talk. We mostly gushed about the gorgeous gowns on last night's show, but we also chatted Brad and Taylor. Here's last night's rehash . . .

Eva's white Dior was my favorite from this year's awards season. It wasn't on the runway, how did you find it?

"The PR people sent me photos even though it wasn't sent down the runway. I'll know that Eva has something coming up, I call it a check note. That necklace is probably my favorite piece of jewelry - ever. When I worked with Keira Knightley for the Oscars in '06, there was this vintage Bulgari piece and this brought that memory back to me. There's nothing like an incredible blob of turquoise. It's a dream scenario."

Speaking of jewelry, how did emeralds call out to you for Debra's navy Vera Wang?

"I love to see color. I don't want to do anything expected, or odd. The idea of emeralds with the navy is a younger, modern way to make something glamorous. You don't need diamonds for glamour. I love mixing colors, the less perfect the better."

To read about asking Karl to alter the Chanel and for some Brad and Taylor scoop,

Cameron's pink Chanel - have you asked designer's to alter before? Just not Karl? Why were you so nervous?

"Yes, I have, but Karl Lagerfeld is up there with my three heroes of all time. When you ask to make a change to an already-brilliant design, it's scary. What if it doesn't work? At the end of the day Cameron is my priority. I want to do what's politically correct, but also what's best for my client. You weigh your odds there. It was scary. Had he said no, I would have had to move on. The worst he could say is no."

New studio? Upgrade! And more staff?

"We actually have two studios now. One for the digital side of my business (The Zoe Report). We're growing Rachel Zoe Inc. And Jordan (the intern) and Marisa (Zoe's assistant). Poor Marisa is so innocent, she's the golden child of the group. She helps balance it out. Brad provides a lot of comic relief, when I'm having a really tense moment, Brad makes me laugh at it all."

It appears Brad and Taylor are getting along better. When they moved the desks downstairs, they banded together as brats. It was funny to see that banter.

"They are, but trust me they still have their moments. And they banter, for better or for worse."

When they talk about you, how does it make you feel?

"Brad isn't really built that way. It's more important to me that they get along with one another than they get pleasure out of making fun of me or patronizing me. If they weren't doing their jobs the way they do, they wouldn't be there. I wouldn't put up with it. We all know where we stand with one another. I compare it to a real family. You take abuse and you make up as if nothing ever happened. Or we don't even make up and just move on. They are so loyal."

It seems this season is going to get heavy with Taylor questioning her loyalty.

"Oh yeah. She'll be doing all season what she did last night. She's bored to tears, but she's not going to complain. But you do see a lighter side of Taylor. She's not programmed that way. I prefer she is who she is on camera, and not pretending to be something she's not. She has a heart of gold, I promise you that." Photo courtesy of Bravo

Celebrity Style: Keira Knightley

FabSugar — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 11:00:22 -0800

The crème de la crème are showing up for Paris couture shows and that includes Keira Knightley at Chanel. Stay tuned for the glorious garb, but here's the Chanel devotee - with freshly blunted bangs - in a slim tweed skirt with red velvet trim, a sheer black top with brass buttons, and stacked black platform pumps. And, of course, Keira wore her black quilted Chanel bag. It's all in the details with this one, but it's easy to replicate - actual Chanel items encouraged, but optional.

Corey Lynn Calter Ida Pencil Skirt in Red Multi Tweed - $157.00	Hayden Gold Button Henley - $198.00
oh DEER! Women's Serena Platform Pump - $154.95	Chanel black quilted jersey flap shoulder bag - $3,080.00
Kenneth Cole Reaction Belted Trench - $158.00	Irene Flower Earrings - $3.80
Chanel sterling silver logo slit ring - $216.00

Check out CelebStyle for lots more celebrity street style!

Bauer-Griffin and Source

Fab Ad: Valentino Haute Couture Spring 2008

FabSugar — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 17:38:39 -0700

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Spanx Goes Glam With Haute Contour Collection

FabSugar — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:00:22 -0700

Get ready to taste the delicious "Dessert of Shapewear" - Spanx's Haute Contour collection. Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx, felt bringing fashion to shapewear was the next step for her brand. Thus, was born a collection of beautiful shapewear that incorporates lace, scallops, mesh, and sheer fabrics. Now, it won't be embarrassing if your Spanx happen to show. Actually, some of the Haute Contour pieces, like the Couture Camisole ($198), worn by the model, are meant to show. Gwyneth Paltrow already got some; now it's your turn.

To see more from Spanx's Haute Contour collection, read more

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Fab Field Trip: The Yves Saint Laurent Exhibit at the De Young Museum, San Francisco

FabSugar — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:08:52 -0700

Thursday morning, I was enlightened. Since Yves Saint Laurent's death this past Summer, the fashion world has been paying tribute and speaking praise. Perhaps one of the best ways to do both is to showcase an extensive collection of the artist's work. And so, the de Young museum of San Francisco gave me a sneak peek of Yves Saint Laurent's highly anticipated exhibition, spanning 40 years and 130 ensembles. The exhibit is open to the public Saturday.

The most special guest was there: Pierre Bergé, Yves's partner and business associate since 1961. Pierre spoke to a small group of local press and was humble and heartfelt. His words about Yves tugged on my heartstrings and got me really excited to view the exhibition. "Today is the first collection after his death." He referred to Yves as "one of the greatest of our time." He pointed out that "in our world women are more and more important" and Yves recognized that. "The collection is just a part of Yves's work," reminding us of the 5,000 plus YSL pieces that are preserved and kept in Paris. Can you imagine? He also called San Francisco "a beautiful city" and was proud to have the foggy city house such a collection. Side note: Pierre was wearing an Obama pin.

To read more about my enlightenment and to see loads of wonderful Yves Saint Laurent creations, read more

As a fashion journalist, I am aware of the importance of Yves Saint Laurent. But personally, I haven't had much experience with the house's clothes. Yves showed his last collection in 2002. Only now can I actually purchase pieces from the house, but today's pieces aren't touched by the originator. I have admired vintage YSL, but no, I have never worn an original Yves Saint Laurent. My enlightenment emerged upon viewing precious pieces from "Le Smoking," his homage to Africa collection, the famous Mondrian dress, and representations from his Ballets Russes collection. These were all familiar, as seen in textbooks and pictures, but in real life they are incredible.

The massive collection, curated in an organized yet unique fashion, made my head spin. Another realization was how many of today's designers draw inspiration from these ideas that were presented decades ago. I saw Giambattista Valli in a voluminous LBD, Armani in sleek beaded evening wear, Marc Jacobs in quirky party dresses, Michael Kors in jetsetting separates. YSL Haute Couture was presented through a glass display, and videos and runways shows played throughout. It was a YSL feast for the eyes.

While everything impressed, I had a few favorites I went back to admire a couple more times. First off, the body revealed collection of evening dresses. Yves pushed the envelope with revealing flesh, but he did so with taste. These are key examples. The Africana pieces were super fun; the intricate beading and the exotic cuts were stunning. This famous knit wedding gown made me chuckle. Lastly, his art inspired pieces were pretty magnificent.

This exhibit is both a proper homage and a destination for any fashion lover. On this spooky holiday, this Yves quote felt rather fitting: “My profession is the loving dialogue of this naked woman with all the magic spells of the wrapping of my fabrics.” Consider me spellbound.

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