Elie Saab Couture Spring 2014 Review

I have been a huge fan of Elie Saab for quite some time and first saw a gown from his collection on the Red Carpet about 5 years ago. Every season seems better than the last. The decadent, rich beading and embroideries always have me thinking “royalty.” His newest collection ranged from beaded lace sheaths to full skirted ombre ball gowns, and once again, Elie Saab left us breathless as models walked down the runway.

Elie1The show opened with gowns in a soft blush color, all intricately detailed with pearls, lace and crystal which gave you a taste of the theme behind the entire show and what might come next.

Elie2Then, Elie transitioned us into a white evening collection; any of which could have easily been slightly tweaked into a modern and spectacular bridal gown. Sleeves, one-shouldered gowns, peplums and his signature skinny belts brought definition and life to each piece.

Elie3Next, gowns in a magnificent and vivid shade of red waltzed down the runway, exuding a kind of sophistication and polish Elie’s always been well known for.  Many of the pieces had a two-toned effect with the use of red crystals and embellishments which harnessed the light in a most lovely way.

Elie4Transitioning from red to a citrine, these silhouettes were given the signature Elie treatment of embroidery, beading and floral details that were unexpected and playful.

Elie5The next color story was told in Hydrangea Blue and Lilac, this time using soft tulle and multiple layers of beading and hand-cut floral details in each gown that took us into a soft and dreamy state of evening looks. Then…

Elie6…I went into anaphylactic shock. Taking a departure from his still gorgeous monochromatic looks, we saw colors starting with black fading into an ombré pattern of blush, violet, lilac, blue and white. These gowns were utter perfection, and when the Oscars are presented this March, I fully expect SOMEONE (Sandra Bullock, are you listening?) to don one of these superbly craft gowns on the red carpet.

Elie7Continuing with his ombre´ scheme, we were given black fading into grey and then white. Any of these magnificent creations would make for a stellar awards show gown.

Elie8These ombre´ chiffon gowns literally floated down the runway. The photos truly don’t do these gowns the justice they deserve. (another anaphylactic shock moment for me)

Elie9Staying true to an Elie Saab tradition, he ended the runway show with a spectacular veiled bridal ball gown and was the perfect finish to an overall breathtaking collection. By far, Elie delivered one of his most sensational collections.  It was perhaps, also one of his most “out-of-the-box,” presentations.  In essence, this collection was one I was truly most looking forward to seeing and I was left unconscious by the end of it.

{All runway photos courtesy Yannnis Vlamos/Indigitalimages.com for Style.com}

If you’re dying to see these gowns in actual movement, I urge you to stop whatever it is you’re doing, lock yourself in a room and click here:

 

Jim Verraros for Bridal Expo Chicago Luxury

Red Carpet Roundup – 2013 Grammy Awards

The Grammys are always so much fun to watch because musicians  seem to have so much fun with their fashions…. they don’t hold back – they have such a flair!!  Last night was a tad more high brow ( no one showed up in meat or laid an egg) but, rest assured there plenty of red carpet hits and misses!

Starting with the worst of the worst

10) Jennifer Lopez – Everything about this dress by Anthony Vaccarello is wrong, the slit, the fit and the overall boringness of the “I have to expose myself to be relevant” mentality. 

Jennifer Lopez

9) Adele wearing  floral draperies. This is a common mistake; your dress does not have to match your shoes excatly. She would have been better off picking one bright color to go with the floral shoe!

8) Kelly Clarkson wins big in the singing department but, unfortunately is a huge fashion fail. It seemed like a safe choice, a non-descript little black dress but, this one is not the right one. Blah and ill-fitting. Kelly has so much going on for her in the talent department,  but, girl needs some fashion advice…  badly!

kelly clarkson grammys dress 2013

7) Lisa D’Amato in a really strange dress fit for a hoe-down.I can’t stop humming Entrance of The Gladiators. I’ll wait while you google it…..

 

6)Florence Welch vs. Godzilla. Wearing a green sequined Givenchy gown is a great idea, unless it has spikes made of _______!  What?

5) Kimbra in Jaime Lee Major. In many ways , I think this dress is adorable…. Fun, sparkly, silly, youthful  and just a little of this and that. But, the color combination is all wrong. Seriously….. it’s the Grammys – don’t be shy!

Kimbra and Gotye

 

4) Kelly Rowland in this unbelievably well-fitting and show-stopping gown by Georges Chakra.

3) Katie Perry is all grown up and very sophisticated in this beautiful Gucci gown. Top to bottom perfection.

Katy Perry

2) Justin Timberlake has never looked better than in this Tom Ford suit.

Justin Timberlake

1) Rihanna  is RED HOT, sheer perfection in Azzedine Alaia. It doesn’t get any better than this!

Rihanna

Red Carpet Roundup – 2013 Sag Awards

At the Screen Actor’s Guild awards last night, there were a slew of stars gearing up for the Oscars. But,  with a massive outbreak of the flu nationwide, more than a  few big names were left at home with the sniffles.

Did you see Justin Timberlake debut his professorial look?  Talented? YES! Funny? You bet! This suit is a moderate loser but, he is getting more and more adorable with age! Oh, wait – Jennifer Lawrence is in this photo with JT and Bradley Cooper? Let’s just think about how that feels for a moment….. nice.

 

In the Navy:
Amanda Seyfried rocked the red carpet in Zac Posen. Love the hair on one side, love the necklace, love the pose… “My hand on my hip says I’m sassy- but, my head is tilted (slightly) down so I am humble about it!”

 

Nicole Kidman in Vivienne Westwood. Love is a strong word and so is hate. This look makes me feel ambivalent, nothing particularly striking but not a  mistake. “I’m a mom, I’ve had work done – but, here’s my leg.”

Nicole Kidman - SAG Awards 2013 Red Carpet

Jennifer Lawrence – The best thing about this gown is that there is not one detail other than the cut and fit of the garment itself. Plain? Yes… but, beautiful because of or in spite of the fact! Although her hand is perched gently on her hip and her head is tilted in an ‘ever-so-sweet’ fashion, I would not want to get on her bad side. She exudes confidence and a badass quality I cannot even fathom.  ” I am posing, I am sweet ( see my head is turned ) but, do not make me mad. I will rip off this couture gown and chase you in high heels!”

ps – Not a wardrobe malfunction, the gown is made in layers to eliminate bulk. The underlayer is attached to  silk chiffon so,  when she walked/lifted the top layer to take a step/ caught her  heel on the gown,  the chiffon peeps through and it make the gown appear to have been ripped.

 

Jennifer Lawrence, SAG Wadrobe Malfunction

Jessica Lange wore a beautiful gown by  J. Mendel. Soft, flowing and her hair and makeup were flawless. Really a great look for a lady of her … (whats the word?)…. talent. 

Back in Black:


Sigourney Weaver, are you high on cold medicine?  I get it – you aren’t a size 2 anymore  and maybe you want something a little more loose fitting… but, this is a disaster. Who you gonna call? A stylist!

Jane Lynch must have been taking the same cold medicine as Sigourney Weaver – this  looks like something that she might have found in the back of Madonna’s closet. She has a terrific figure but this dress is all wrong for this occassion. Maybe Halloween in the Village. Maybe.

Best of Black:

Tina Fey in Osacr de la Renta and Amy Poehler in Zuhair Murad, our favorite funny gals from the Golden Globes were spot on with their fashion choices last jnight. Wit, looks and good taste … those girls are on fire! Sizzle!

Amy Poehler & Tina Fey - SAG Awards 2013 Red Carpet

Did you have any favorites from last night’s SAG awards?

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

2013 Golden Globe Awards – Best & Worst

It’s finally here! Awards season is officially in full swing and I couldn’t be any happier. It’s like the playoffs for sports fans… just one delightful event after another! Much like sporting events – we have our favorites, there are clear winners and losers and sometimes the underdog wins. And sometimes the event just takes on a life of it’s own – like last night! My winners and losers are broken down into slightly different  categories:
“Most Adorable” – Amy Poehler. I give Ms. Poehler this title because a) the porn joke b) her side updo was infallible and c) her boobs were perkier than Honey Boo Boo at a county fair. ( Had to get that in before the Honey Boo Boo train left the station). Also, this little black pantsuit by Stella McCartney was darling, sexy, sassy and completely sophisticated, all at the same time. You GO, girl!

 

 

Strangest  Fit: These 2  piece outfits seemed to be a bit off for me, Sienna Miller’s weird pink ensemble by Erdem and Anne Hathaway’s chest flattening device by Chanel. Okay, whatever.

Best Color Statement: The critics are hating but, I am loving Lucy Liu in this print ball gown. Prints are risky, google ‘golden globes tye dye disaster’ and you will see why. But, I  think that Carolina Herrera nailed it with the right color, pattern and positioning of the floral pattern on the gown itself.  The wedgewood blue background was perfect on Ms Liu’s skintone… just magnificent!

The “Look at Me” award goes to Jennifer Lopez. Beautiful, sexy, and by all accounts one of the most talented ladies in Hollywood, Ms Lopez always turns heads with her provocative fashion choices and this see through lace number by Zuhair Murad is no different. I don’t think she would have it any other way!

Special Effects Award: Halle Barry and Jessica Chastain both had gowns with serious bosom challenges. Jessica’s Calvin Klein gown was saggy and perky at the same time. For future reference:  blouson halter is never a good idea.

Halle’s Versace gown was high and flat on one side, low and full on the other. Forget about the print, I can’t get past this odd bustline thing…..Huh?

 

halle berry golden globes 2013 red carpet 05

 

Rambling Rose award goes to Jodie Foster who seemed overly giddy and oddly nervous at the same time. The Cecil B Demille award is a big deal – but save the rambling speeches for the retirement home. Unlike the off-screen persona she has spent a lifetime protecting, she was blabbering like a teenage girl at a slumber party.The giggly thing was way out of character for her. Although the context of her words may have been  emotional and heartfelt, she lost me somewhere around Honey Boo Boo. The gown – another odd choice, I think Ms. Foster who looks fabulous in nearly anything, appears more  comfortable in tailored, simpler gowns rather than pageant beading. The only thing missing was the empty chair. 

Jodie Foster - Golden Globes 2013 Red Carpet

 

Best Trend Personified … It’s a three way tie! All three of these ladies rocked the subtle blush trend in their own way. Although none of them seemed to take home a trophy, they were all winners in my book.

Amy Adams in Marchesa

 

Megan Fox in Dolce & Gabanna

Hayden Panettiere in Roberto Cavalli

Favorite Actress in Everything – Julia Loius Dreyfuss is funny, charming and a knockout in this illusion over lace custom Vera Wang.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus - Golden Globes 2013 Red Carpet

Best Overall Performance goes to Ms. Tina Fey. Channeling the late Rita Hayworth, Tina took the stage in va-va-va-voom fashion and never let up. She switched effortlessly between comedy and glamour and her Taylor Swift joke was not only the best one-liner of the night, she was dead right! “Take some ‘me’ time”… indeed!

Tina Fey and Amy Poehler

Ladies, you have set the bar very high – hoping to see you back again next year!  This was my favorite Golden Globes in a long time!

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

Ghosts of Golden Globes Past

Tomorrow the awards season officially kicks off with the 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards. Both movie and television stars come together for one night of fun, fashion, frivolity and fierce competition to decide who wins, who loses and give us a hint of what to expect at the Academy Awards next month. And for the first time ever, the show will be co-hosted by our favorite female SNL weekend update alum.

The Hostesses with the Most: Tina Fey and Amy Poehler will certainly be on cloud nine tomorrow night. According to all reports, they have promised a night of fun, frivolity and a certain amount of cynicism. Both beautiful and equally smart,  these two  pose a double threat (squared).

Amy Poehler, left, and Tina Fey get ready to host the Golden Globes

NOMINEES:

One of my Red Carpet favorites  is Emily Blunt. Last year, as  a presenter, she wore this  golden, shimmering,  Elie Saab Couture gown. This year as a nominee for Salmon Fishing In The Yemen, she will definitely bring her “A” game … although I don’t know how it could get much better than this!

Emily Blunt in Elie Saab | 69th Annual Golden Globe Awards

There are many red carpet looks of Jennifer Lawrence – nominated for her role in Silver Linings Playbook. You only need to remember this one from the 2011 Academy Awards, and that’s when hardly anybody even knew who she was. 

Julianna Margulies, consistently one of the most beautiful ladies on television is once again nominated for her role in The Good Wife. Note to Julianna:

More of this

and less of this

Nicole Kidman, nominated for her role in The Paperboy and for Hemmingway & Gellhorn, has a slew of jaw-dropping red carpet moments but, this pale pink Chanel from 2002 is my favorite!!!  It is soft, dainty, feminine and timeless. Since she is a double-nominee, expect her to pull out all the stops!

Meryl Streep, nominated for her role in Hope Springs, also has a slew of red carpet moments but, unfortunately for Ms. Streep, jaw- dropping isn’t always a good thing.  Where is the stylist  from The Devil Wears Prada when you need her? Meryl Streep is one of the most beautiful & talented actresses in the world. What gives?

Michelle Dockery of Downton Abbey has really honed her red carpet style since last year’s Golden Globe disaster. Compare this  Ralph Lauren gown at the Met Gala later in the year. Michelle Dockery - Celebs on the Red Carpet at the Met Gala in NYC

to last year’s frumpy, wrinkled, blue, ball gown… yikes

 

Julianne Moore gave an incredible performance as the former governor of Alaska  in Game Change. Definitely my pick for best actress in a television movie!  Although she doesn’t have the best track record on the red carpet, there is hope. Maybe she picked a stylist who will give her a little better shoe advice than she had in 2012. This gown is terrific – the shoe is a drag.

Whoever wins or loses, there is always a lot to see on the red carpet before, during, and after the show. Check back Monday for our Best & Worst picks from the 2013 Golden Globes Red Carpet!

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

2012 Grammys Red Carpet Roundup

There was a pall cast over the Grammys as the superstars of music gathered to celebrate their success and to mourn the death of one of the Grammy greats, the late Whitney Houston. It was hard to be excited and impossible to think of anything else, even the red carpet seemed somber, as if every artist was respectful of the delicate balance between life and death, fame and fortune. It was a lovely  (last minute) tribute to one of the most memorable voices of my lifetime.

The atmosphere picked up as the attendees and honorees began to arrive. The 360 cam ( one of my favorite pieces of technology and another which I barely understand) was fired up and the red carpet show was underway!  The fashions this year were particularly underwhelming, except for a few stand-outs and it was hard to find anything worth really talking about.

The amazing Adele kept it simple in a black beaded Armani gown, a little too simple. Although her  hair & makeup was A+, and the three quarter sleeve was nice,  I found it otherwise completely  boring.  You are spectacular and  no matter what Karl Lagerfeld says – size isn’t everything!

 

 Carrie Underwood wore an all-over sequined gown by Gomez-Garcia…. snooze.

 

 Katy Perry’s blue hair looked great with the color of this gown but, the Elie Saab couture gown bordered on frumpy. Sloped shoulders, the odd bra-less bustline, and the fabric that looked like a 3rd grade art project made of popcorn and sequins.

 

Fergie looked ridiculous in Jean Paul Gaultier. Maybe if the undergarments had been the same color, maybe if the outer layer hadn’t been international orange, I don’t have the answer.

 

Rihanna was off the charts spectacular in this gown she designed with the help of Georgio Armani. The right accessories in all the right places didn’t hurt one bit, either. The plain gold made this simple gown an elegant knockout!

 Cyndi Lauper looked more like her old ‘unusual’ self than she has in a long time. I loved it! She was funky, a bit older but funky. She is odd, over-done and looks like she stepped out of a Tim Burton movie – but it works for her, time after time!

 Robyn, you must have a lot of nerve to wear this monstrosity to the Grammys. A lot of nerve and really, really bad taste. There is just nothing favorable about this white satin mullet dress…. nothing. I don’t see any designers stepping up to take credit so I will assume that it was a bad Home Ec project.

 

 Kelly Osbourne’s sparkly gown by Tony Ward was gorgeous! LOVED this dress; the fit, the Grecian-inspired one shoulder and side drape. She should have changed her hair color since this was the only thing that clashed. Keep it pastel if you want, just not that shade.

 

 The Grammys were a fitting tribute to Whitney Houston, a glamorous affair that she once dominated. Her presence was felt at the Staples Center last night as  her music played, when Jennifer Hudson gave a moving tribute, and as musical talents across the board gave their heartfelt condolences and paused to appreciate a life cut short. Remembering Whitney at her finest:

 

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

The Weekend Fashion Roundup – A Tale of Two Kates

Last weekend Kate Moss exchanged vows with her rock n’ roll husband Jamie Hince in the English Countryside  with a  boatload of  British bridesmaids (aka flowergirls) some very strange guests, her ex and baby daddy, her own daughter and four gown changes.

Kate Moss has been beautiful for a long time but in this John Galliano gown, she was radiant. No photos of the McCartney mini or the other two gowns just yet…. but, if she can look this great in the simplest of stlyes, how great will she look in the others? Their bridal party included 14 young bridesmaids in above the knee chiffon dresses with a gypsy style neckline and matching ballet- pumps with maid of honor in a blue Stella McCartney creation which almost perfectly matched the groom’s blue tuxedo.

On the far side of this side of the pond we had another British ‘Kate’ causing a sensation.  The Royal newlyweds attended the ‘BAFTA Brits to Watch’ event in Hollywood and everyone pulled out all the stops for their first visit to Hollywood as a married couple. The princess donned a lavender creation by Sarah Burton which accented her tiny waist and  included the belted, full-skirt look which she wore for her reception last April.  Everyone except for me seems to be in love with this look. Everyone else says it’s understated, I say its rather boring. Ask yourself this question: If you woke up tomorrow and you were 5 ft 10 inches tall and wore  a size 2, and could wear any gown in the world (with minor modesty restrictions) would you wear this one? She is beautiful and tall and thin and will look good in whatever she wears. In all fairness not everyone’s priority is fashion…. this is why stylists are so important.

My favorites? Gugu Mbatha-Raw looked flawless in Reem Acra, Maria Bello was pure glamour in her Silver Donna Karan and Rita Wilson looked like a queen herself wearing Elie Saab. Jennnifer Lopez  must have woken up on the wrong side of the bed or forgot where she was going because her Pucci gown looked out of place and not suited to meet a future queen.  The gown was more suited for the Grammys or the Baton or 1988. This is especially hard for me to say since Emilio Pucci is  my favorite designer brand.  

Other misses included Blake Lively’s all covered up but see-through shapeless Marchesa gown ( this would be great if you were expecting and wanted to hide a large belly bump), Dana Delaney’s messy Prada outfit ( no she is not carrying Tony the Tiger over her shoulder) and Kristen Chenowith’s BCBG Max Azria liquid lame tube top gown apparently stolen from the set of Charlie’s Angels.

Two Kates, one over-the-top Pucci and 14 bridesmaids… I’d say that was one fashionable weekend in July!

-Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago

Whats Hot in Bridal Gowns – 2011 Trends Sneak Peek

With Spring just around the corner and designers about to reveal their new  fall  lines, there is a light at the end of the tunnel for brides who are not sure they want to go strapless.

Did you notice it at the Oscars? A little sleeve here and there. Not long, puffy leg-o-mutton sleeves like the 1980’s (God forbid) or severe turtleneck dresses like the 1970’s. Just a little something  to comfort the bride who is not sure she is ready to bare her shoulders completely.

For years, the strapless bridal gown has dominated the runways and magazine pages as the ‘style choice’  for nearly every major designer for over a decade, couture and otherwise. This spring, that could all change.

Although strapless gowns are still the majority shareholders of our attention and account for most bridal gown silhouettes, I counted 10 of the top 50 Knot Picks for favorite wedding dresses as having  some sort of strap or sleeve. If you’re counting at home, that is about 10 more than this time last year.

What does this mean to the bride-to-be?  The sky’s the limit and the choice is once again, yours. The designers have heard your voices, asking  for “something on top” and they have responded by giving you exactly what you want. Maybe its a modesty issue, maybe its a matter of taste, perhaps you have a figure concern and feel strapless is not the right choice for you. We get it – and now we know that designers all over the world (from haute couture to the most affordable) will be showing you what you have begged for… a little coverage.

That’s not to say strapless has gone by the wayside – quite the contrary. The strapless gowns that we see today seem to magically camouflage some of the most common figure flaws. Built- in bras, petticoats, corsets, these things take away the guesswork and the end result is a gown that makes you look and feel like a million bucks on your wedding day. 

Each week at Bridal Expo you can see the hottest looks in bridal and attendant gowns straight from the designer’s runways to ours. If you or someone you love is getting married, please take a moment to watch our couture runway video and call 847-428-3320 to get four complimentary tickets to a show in your area.

– Penny Frulla for Bridal Expo Chicago