Red Carpet Predictions for The Oscars 2014

It’s the day before the Oscars, and if you know me, you know that I’ll feverishly be on all of my social media outlets searching for photos to post on my Facebook page of every red carpet worthy look.

Short and sweet, here are my predictions, or rather, wishes to see on the red carpet for tomorrow’s Academy Awards.

Sandra Bullock, nominated for “Gravity,” in the Best Actress category has always had minimal hair and makeup and gowns that have been hits and some that have been misses. In the past, she’s worn Elie Saab, J. Mendel and Prabal Gurung but here’s what I’d like to see her in:

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Armani Privé, Spring 2014 Couture.

Why? It’s dynamic. Glamorous. The detail is out-of-this-world gorgeous and truly exudes “Hollywood Royalty.” There’s a hint of romance and edginess which with a body like Sandra has, can knock this out of the park.

Cate Blanchette, nominated for “Blue Jasmine,” in the Best Actress category has also had her fair share of hits and misses (the bib dress from Givenchy, anyone?), however, she’s also had some massive hits like the stunning black lace Armani Privé gown she recently wore. What I’d love to see her in?

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Valentino, Spring 2014 Couture. Why? Cate’s always been known to take fashion risks on the red carpet but also carries herself in a way most haven’t figured out how to do. Cate Blanchette is Hollywood Royalty, and this Valentino gown speaks just that.

Amy Adams, nominated for “American Hustle,” also in the Best Actress category has worn gowns from Antonio Berardi, Oscar de la Renta and Valentino. Never staying true to one particular style or silhouette, you’re always kept guessing as to what she’ll do. YVL_5090.450x675

Elie Saab, Spring 2014. This gown has EVERYTHING and when you’re a “Best Actress” Nominee, you need to look like one. One of my favorite prior looks was the gray Oscar De La Renta ball gown she wore in 2013 and looked like a dream in it. This Elie Saab gown has a bit more structure but also has a softness to it she carries so well.

 

Jennifer Lawrence, brand ambassador for Christian Dior, is nominated for Best Supporting Actress, in “American Hustle.” She’s always worn Dior on the red carpet, so I doubt she’ll stray from the design house; but will it be hot off the runway or vintage?

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For Jennifer, I went back through the Dior archives to Spring 2012 Couture. It’s big, it’s over-the-top and it SCREAMS Oscars. Still youthful because Jennifer is only 23 years old, but ultra-glamorous. This is the ONE NIGHT all year long you can go all out.

And last but definitely not least and everyone’s favorite “Red Carpet Darling,” Lupita Nyong’o, nominated for Best Supporting Actress in “12 Years A Slave,” has been nothing short of flawless on the red carpet. Donning designers from Dior, Gucci and Ralph Lauren, all eyes are on this gorgeous woman right now. The question remains, who will she wear for tomorrow’s Oscars?

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Johanna Johnson, Spring/Summer 2012-2013. I envisioned Lupita in something decadent, regal and more fitted to her body since it’s next to flawless. I can imagine her walking down the red carpet and sparkling like the star she’s shown everybody she is.

 

Tomorrow will be full of surprises and I for one, can’t wait.

 

Jim Verraros for Bridal Expo Chicago Luxury

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

Fashion at The 2014 Grammy Awards

Although the Grammys are best known for Music’s A-Listers taking huge fashion risks on the red carpet, this year, the fashion seemed streamlined, calculated and polished.

Taylor Swift always knocks it out of the park on the red carpet as she looked statuesque wearing a stunning chain link Gucci gown paired with Jimmy Choo shoes. Her stylist, Joseph Cassell has been flawless with carefully selecting statement pieces for Taylor, from designers like Carolina Herrera, Elie Saab and Donna Karan Atelier.

TaylorSwiftxAnother fashion high note was John Legend’s wife, Chrissy Teigen in a gold hand beaded Johanna Johnson couture gown. Fit to perfection, this look on Chrissy was breathtaking. Designer Johanna Johnson, best known for dressing stars like Minnie Driver, Julie Bowen and Christina Hendricks also dressed one of music’s elite, P!nk in a gorgeous red charmeuse paneled gown.

JohannaJohnsonxR&B Superstar Ciara went through multiple fittings in Milan and Los Angeles to get her long sleeved beaded Emilio Pucci just right; and it paid off. The newly pregnant star looked gorgeous with her soft up-do pulled back and minimal makeup.

CiaraxBeyonce Knowles was a knockout in her Michael Costello Couture gown. Some compared this look to Jennifer Lopez wearing Zuhair Murad at a prior red carpet event, but we think Beyonce looked incredible with this white lace and nude patterned ensemble.

BeyoncexWe rarely see Madonna on the red carpet and always have high hopes for her,  but this was a fashion miss with this Ralph Lauren suit.  It came off costumey and the cane didn’t help her major fashion faux-pas.

Madonnax We’ll be curious to know what the Giuliana Rancic, Joan Rivers, Kelly Osbourne and George Kotsiopoulos on E!’s Fashion Police say tonight, and if they agree with us on our pics for Best Dressed at The Grammys!  At Bridal Expo Chicago Luxury, we’re always inspired by fashion as trends always have influence in the world of bridal.     -Jim Verraros for Bridal Expo Chicago Luxury Shows

{Photos courtesy Huffington Post}