Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2011: Dolce & Gabbana, Versace!!

Maschile /Femminile (Masculine/Feminine), Lace, Tailoring, Vibrant Colors...Milan Fashion Week Highlights:

Caprese and Campari: Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2011

Last week, Milan Fashion Week continued and while you can read (and see) my BLOG posting for the Gucci and Prada Fall/Winter 2011 Collections HERE, I wanted to also show you the latest offerings from two other MAJOR Italian Fashion Houses: Dolce & Gabbana and Versace:

Dolce & Gabbana:

Butch Dolce & Gabbana: Model Arizona Muse opens Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2011 Runway Show

For Fall/Winter 2011 Designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana showed many, many looks--over 80 to be exact! There were no "Earth-shaking" style statements for these two--just same old same old fabulous Masculine vs. Feminine stylings that have become the Dolce & Gabbana signature. The show began with Model-of-the-Moment Arizona Muse (of course!), in a jacquard double-breasted jacket and cropped knee-hovering pants, white buttoned-up dress shirt, hat and even some faux sideburns!

She was VERY Madonna "Open Your Heart" video. While the "Uomo Parade" of superbly tailored suits and perfectly draped trousers continued, it also became apparent that there was a 1980's Ska Band/Come On Eileen feeling to it as well, in addition to the fact that this entire section looked as if it could have been styled by former Lindsay Lohan girlfriend DJ Samantha Ronson and model Agyness Deyn:

Italian High Fashion Ska: Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2011

But of course, the Dolce & Gabbana girl cannot live on pant suits alone, and to satisfy this, Domenico and Stefano also sent out many sexy lace and corseted lingerie-inspired looks that will for sure be placed FRONT and CENTER at their boutiques worldwide come next Fall:

Eurostar: Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2011

Milan Opera Gown: Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2011

Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2011 Full Runway Show:

Versace Donna Women's Wear Fall/Winter 2011:

For Versace Fall/Winter 2011 Donatella Versace and her Design Team continued on their path of her brother's Design Roots, incorporating baroque motifs, color-blocks and imprints in addition to those ubiquitous Versace gold-plated buttons, which became part of the House's Legacy and roots.

Versace 1980's ad featuring Christy Turlington, Paulina Porizkova and Linda Evangelista

The Collection was molto sexy and filled with Vibrant in-your-face colors: Neon Teal, Royal Blue, Highlighter Yellow, as well as some whites and blacks thrown in for good measure. Themes ran from Red Carpet Diva to Military Power Goddess. Domenico and Stefano may give you Maschile...but Donatella's girl is ALL WOMAN!!!

Ready For Fashion Battle: Versace Fall/Winter 2011

Alitalia Business Class: Versace Fall/Winter 2011

Here Comes The Sun: Versace Fall/Winter 2011

I Am Not Riding On That Vespa: Versace Fall/Winter 2011

Meeting The Pope: Versace Fall/Winter 2011

High-Low Queen: Versace Fall-Winter 2011

Versace Donna Women's Wear Fall/Winter 2011 Full Runway Video:

53rd Annual Grammy Awards: Who Wore What? Jennifer Hudson in Versace Pre-Fall 2010

Jennifer Hudson in Versace Pre-Fall 2010, 53rd Annual Grammy Awards Red Carpet

Jennifer Hudson looking slim and sexy in a high-low navy-blue/silver Versace Pre-Fall 2010 dress. I'm wondering why the bust doesn't quite fit and why, oh why...is her bra showing. I don't think this is how it is supposed to be. Trust me darlings, ALL those Versace dresses and gowns have built-in bra and under-structures so you DO NOT have to wear additional bras that may distract from the dress. This is why a Versace dress can cost in the THOUSANDS...like $6000 most times. It also looks like they lengthened the front chiffon tiers of this asymmetrical dress for Jennifer. I like the dress, I just have issues with her bra showing. That's a no-no.

On a Positive Note: Jennifer does look TEENY TINY!!!

Do we mind that the top section doesn't fit "the sisters" and that her bra is showing?

Donatella Versace on The View's Fashion Friday!!

La Diva Donatella

This morning on ABC's "The View" (I'm sick with a BAD head cold so I was at home watching!), I tuned in and guess who appeared before my eyes: La Diva Donatella!

It was "Fashion Friday" (the show is actually taped on Wednesdays, I hear), a segment where every Fridays The View's fabulous ladies "introduce" a Fashion Designer to America, and for today's segment it was none other than Miss Donatella Versace. She looked bellisima in a conservative (for her!) black sheath dress and sky-high nude stiletto pumps.

She showed four of her favorite looks from her Fall 2010 Collection:

This royal blue and black wool coat with leather accents, leather skinny pants and patent leather purse...

This orange wool and fur mini A-line coat-dress...

This turquoise silk georgette and mirror-leather detailed gown...

Donatella and the House of Versace PR Office pulled out all the stops for this brief 5 minute segment: She did not just get four models from a local NYC agency, she had four of the TOP TOP Models of the moment, all done perfectly in runway-ready make-up and perfectly center-parted straightened hair. You KNOW that all cost a pretty penny! And Donatella paid for all of it for sure. One of the models at "The View" was in fact 16 year old Wichita Kansas-native Lindsey Wixson, who is Donatella's current fave and a MAJAH model of the Moment. Lindsey wore this:

Silver chain-and-leather strapless mini-dress

All in all, Donatella was very charming and quite funny, especially when "The View's" co-host Sherri Shepherd asked her what she though of Maya Rudolph's HILARIOUS Homage to her on Saturday Night Live...Donatella revealed that she once called Maya and, "I gave her some suggestions on how to do me better. Because I told her, I don't drink. Take off that jewelry because it is too fake, I only wear real. And I don't tell people to "Get Out" I have other people do that. " LOVE HER!!!

Click Below to Watch Donatella on "The View" commenting on Maya Rudolph's Uncanny Impression:

Also, click below for Donatella and the House of Versace being featured in one of my most favorite shows on the Sundance Channel. The series is called The Day Before and the show follows designers such as Versace, DVF and Alexander Wang 24 hours prior to their Fashion Show. It is not to be missed for all Fashionistas!!

Milan Fashion Week Spring 2011: Prada, Gucci and Versace--Photos and Runway Video!!

More Fashion Week Highlights: Turquoise, Orange, Coral, YVES SAINT LAURENT references, 70's strappy heels, and Monkey Prints?

Prada Spring 2011:

Designer Miuccia Prada sent out a bold statement of color for Spring 2011. The runway was awash with primary colored dresses that ranged from bright orange to potent purples to greens and royal blues. Silhouettes went from shapeless shifts perfect for that older Italian Gallery Owner working in the Summer humid heat of Florence to strapless, fitted "Mermaid" shapes featuring gathered panels. And there were prints: Baroque monkey prints to be exact. How much do you want to bet Forever 21 will try to knock those off?

Going Baroque: Strapless "Mermaid" shaped printed dress

Stopping Traffic: Bright Pumpkin Orange kimono drop-sleeved sheath v-neck dress

New Wedge: This is what the House of Prada will make their money on next Spring/Summer 2011

Prada Spring 2011 Runway Video:

Gucci Spring 2011:
Yves Saint Laurent is having a moment...yep, first Marc Jacobs, then Jason Wu, now Frida Giannini, Creative Director for Gucci is doing YSL. And why not be inspired by The Master. Did they all go to his Petit Palais YSL Retrospective? I did, and trust me kids, I was inspired too! So much so I CRIED! Gucci Spring 2011 is all 70's Helmut Newton, Marrakesh, gold python belts, sleek skinny pants, peek-a-boo draped tops, bright colors and lots of satin. Slicked hair and strong red lipstick brought home the "The 80s are DEAD, long Live 1978!" look of the entire collection.

Solid Gold: Aquamarine satin jacket, blouse, gold belt and deep lilac skinny trousers

Bellissima: Model Chanel Iman on the Gucci runway, in a satin coral/copper-colored draped skirt, white peek-a-boo top and gold python belt

Evening Safari: All black ensemble consisting of short-sleeved belted jacket, skinny pants and strappy heels

Speaking of Heels: Black strapped-in heels, Gucci Spring 2011

Ladies, Get Your Pedicures: Love these strappy turquoise suede shoes with gold heel, very 1979.

Gucci Spring 2011 Runway Video:

Versace Spring 2011:
Severe Color, severe shapes and severe hair. This is "FIERCE" a la Donatella. Dropped hemlines, slits, geometric necklines and again, lots of COLOR: Turquoise, shades of coral, orange and yes, there was some black. Take note Russian Billionaire Arm Candy Ladies: This is what you'll look like come next Spring 2011.

Turquoise Princess: Knee-length sheath dress with geometric laser-cut neckline

The Midriff Is Back: Coral-colored cropped jacket and knee-length skirt

Little Black Two-some: Black cropped top with beaded straps and knee-length skirt

Shimmy Shimmy: Turquoise fringed gown with scooped neckline and peek-a-boo sides

Versace Spring 2011 Runway Video:

2010 Grammy Awards Red Carpet Fashion: Who Wore What? Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez in Versace Spring 2010

Oh Miss JLo. You just gotta give her points...Attagirl Points. Somehow the gown on the right didn't translate so well on the woman who wore it on the left. Why does this gown--on Jennifer Lopez--make her look like she's going to a Prom in New Jersey? She just hasn't met a high-slit and a 6 inch Platform she didn't like...

Milan Spring/Summer 2010 Collections Runway Videos!!!

Ciao Milano!Donatella's Twin: A look from Versace Spring/Summer 2010

The Spring/Summer 2010 Collections just finished in Milan and now the world's press and fashionistas have moved on to Paris, the City of Lights. I love checking out all the latest collections. I especially love looking at the actual runway videos (when I find them!). While I'm doing this, I feel, well, why not share with my Blog "peeps"? I can't enjoy this all by myself naturally. Here are some highlights:

Versace:Pretty in Pink: One of My Favorite Gowns from Versace Spring/Summer 2010

Donatella Versace sent out a slew of GLAMAZONIAN versions of herself for Spring/Summer 2010. It was a feast for the eyes: Bright canary yellows, potent hues of pink, green and anything in between. Kaleidoscopic transparent prints. Stretch jerseys and fluid silks. Russian Arms Dealer's Mistress: Only Donatella would send this down the runway--Love it!

It seems that with this collection Donatella is embracing what a lot of people already think of Versace clothing: It's SO PERFECT for that Russian Arms Dealer's Mistress. And to that, I raise a shot...or two...of Vodka!

Click BELOW to view the Versace Spring/Summer 2010 Runway Video


Dolce and Gabbana:
Open Your Heart: Lingerie Cocktail Dress, Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2010

Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana, also seem to have gone back to their "roots". Sending down an almost "retro" Dolce and Gabbana Collection, inspired by black and white photos of Isabella Rosselini, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell and Madonna; to name just a few. It was as if a Peter Lindbergh Vogue photograph came to life. Every look had those famous under-corsets. They played with masculine and feminine, as they always do, as well as Seville, Argentina and all things "Latino". Gaucho Grill: A tailored suit from Dolce & Gabbana Spring/Summer 2010

They sent out an androgynous tailored black suit one minute and a Sicilian "lady-of-the-evening" leaving her client's home at 6 AM the next. Lots of blacks, white laces and lipstick-red prints. For Spring/Summer 2010 the Dolce and Gabbana girl is going to Southern Italy--and she's going to steal your husband!

Click BELOW for the Dolce and Gabbana Spring/Summer 2010 Runway Video

We Heart Milan Fashion Week

It’s true what the style hounds say: “It’s always fashion week somewhere in the world.” This week, the runways were working it in Milan where all eyes were on Italy’s most famous houses: Versace and Dolce & Gabbana. As usual, the runway fashions, jewelry looks, (and after parties) didn’t disappoint.

Donatella took things shorter, younger, and sweeter this season with a heart-themed line that sparkled in a series of chunky yellow-gold right hand rings and statement bangles. The 3-D heart shape formed by an open zipper found its way on her flirty short dresses – and even her handbags showed a little love. The days of tacky, gaudy Versace are decidedly (and thankfully) over. Bravo!

And while Donatella made a heartfelt showing, the D & G boys –as always – took things up a notch. The sleepwear-inspired line had oodles of satiny fabrics, mini-mouse sleeve silhouettes and jewelry that ranged from the big and bold to the bigger and bolder. Vintage brooches, statement chains and hairpieces littered the runway, adding just enough wattage to each look without putting them over the top.

Celebs like Jennifer Lopez and hubby, Marc Anthony, Matthew McConaughey and wife, Camila Alves, and supermodels Claudia Schiffer and Eva Herzigova sat runway-side and were all VIP guests at the closing night party at the uber-exclusive restaurant, Gold. After dinner, guests were whisked away for a surprise performance of none other than Diana Ross in honor of Gabbana’s 50th birthday.

Apparently there really ain’t no mountain high enough for these fashion icons. And in case you're worried about runway withdrawal, I have three words for you: Next week, Paris.


Versace