Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2010--Continued: Stephane Rolland and George Hobeika Haute Couture

Monsieur Nick Verreos...Several weeks back, I received something in the mail from Paris France. I went into "Uncle Nick" convulsions! It was an invitation for the Stephane Rolland 2010 Spring/Summer Haute Couture Fashion Show. After much thought (after I calmed down!), I realized because of my work and crazy schedule (I was actually filming in Los Angeles that day), I could not attend. But I will be in Paris for the Fall/Winter 2010 Haute Couture Fashion Week in July, so I will be hoping for another invitation! So for now I will have to settle for the next best thing: Seeing the show on video and photos.
If you may not know, Stephane Rolland is one of the up-and-coming Couturiers that all of the fashion world is buzzing about. Rihanna--as well as Queen Rania--have worn his designs. He is know for glorious modern cocktail and evening wear. Sexy not vulgar.
For Spring/Summer 2010 Haute Couture, he sent down beautiful designs showing a love for off-kilter draping, and curve-a-licious lines (sorry, I know that was very un-fashionista terminology). The silhouettes were DIVINE! And a bonus: One of my favorite models was in the show: The one and only Sessilee Lopez.

Click Below for a Preview of the Stephane Rolland Spring/Summer 2010 Haute Couture Show:

Lebanese designer Georges Hobeika also showed this past week during Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week . There was lots of beading, red, canary yellows and a running theme of transparency. The red gown above was gorgeous but I'm not so sure how many of those ultra-rich Persian Gulf clients in Bahrain and Kuwait would order that without a lining--but the color is perfect for the wives or girlfriends of all those Couture-buying Chinese billionaires that the recent WWD article was talking about. At the show, every model wore a shoulder-length brunette bob with bangs. I must admit that I am not a fan of identical wigs on models. But, I did love the pleated mini Leg O' Mutton sleeves on this beaded cocktail number.One of my favorite looks in the Hobeika 2010 Haute Couture show was this final wedding gown--now I can certainly see a fabulously wealthy Bahraini bride wear that!
George Hobeika Haute Couture--Preview and Reportage

Nick Verreos Looks at 2010 Spring/Summer Paris Haute Couture: Runway Videos!

COUTURE DAHHHLING!!!!!!
Sarah Palin Couture: Belorusian model Olga Sherer in her "Going Huntin' " ensemble

This season, John Galliano was inspired by Charles James, Standard Oil Heiress Millicent Rodgers, Dressage and the Turn-of-the-Century Gibson Girl. It was VERY old-school Dior; Monsieur Dior would have proud (I think). The show began with 1900's Equestrian suiting that if they were made several years back, would have end up in a W Magazine spread featuring Madonna and her estate in England. Lots of folding, pleating and Galliano continued his obsession with the full-front/fitted back look reminiscent of his "Egypt/Pharoah Dior Haute Couture Collection" back in 2004.A Met Couture Exhibit: Polish Runway Supermodel Magdalena Frackowiak looking like something out of a John Singer Sergent Painting

The collection seemed to be stuck on this "Equestrian Costume Diva" theme for a while until the full gowns came forth. They were marvelous in their technical mastery, draping and UBER femininity. The final gown, worn by Brazilian model Goddess Thana Kuhnen was VERY inspired by... the 1949 Dior "Junon" Gown. The petal scallop shaped hem and the delicate crystal beading were a definite homage. Click below to see the entire runway show:

Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2010 Haute Couture--
Part 1


Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2010 Haute Couture--
Part 2

Chanel Haute Couture: Love, Live, Silk Charmeuse...and Bermuda (Shorts)!For his Spring/Summer Haute Couture 2010 Chanel Collection, Karl Lagerfeld sent out heart-shaped hair with over-sized bows, fitted Bermuda shorts with the iconic Chanel jackets and lots of silk charmeuse/silk-back crepe. Asymmetrical cowl draping, lot of bias-cut, and hand-applied crystal embroidery throughout. Can't wait to see Chloe Sevigny try and work one of these $45,000 hand-made wonders in an upcoming Awards Show. I'm not so sure if any of Lagerfeld's jet-setting clients would go for the shorts-suit look but those silk charmeuse side cowl gowns are A MUST!!!!
Chanel Spring/Summer 2010 Haute Couture--Preview

Armani Prive: Over the "Moon" with Curviform!I honestly think this was one of Armani's best Prive Collections. I have been following all of his Haute Couture shows, season after season. And it has been very "hit-and-miss". Editors are somehow afraid to just come out and say it, but... some of his last collections have been a MESS: Tricky Hair, trickier draping, a bit too "dated" and 80's...and not in a good way. BUT... this Spring 2010 Prive Collection was TRES CHIC! One of his best. At least in my humble opinion. There was a Moon Theme, using half-moon Mother-of-Pearl brooches and curved shapes throughout.It was all about under-stiffening, buckram-backed ruffles and flutters. With all that, it was still 100 % romantic, feminine and Boy, I could see half of it at the Academy Awards! Speaking of Oscars, when I saw this gown above, all I could think of was actress Tilda Swinton. I know she's a fan of Viktor and Rolf and the more Avant-Garde designers but this off-the-shoulder stiffened neckline ivory princess-seamed Gown is SO HER!!!
Armani Prive 2010 Spring/Summer: Preview

Bare Minerals Blush in Fruit Cocktail

I have been on the search for a good blusher for my wedding day and have heard good things about Bare Minerals. I already use their All Over Colour in Faux Tan and it's one of my staple products for everyday use. This blush, callled Fruit Cocktail looks scarily bright in the container (it's brighter in person)... However, when you swatch it, it's actually a really lovely luminous, soft pink blush that (as you would expect from Bare Minerals) is buttery smooth and really finely milled. You will see from the swatch below that's it's actually very subtle and wearable. Now if you aren't a fan of blushers with a bit of shimmer then this product isn't for you. The shimmer is very fine and I personally like it, it's not over the top or glittery (think Nars Albatross). There are days when I prefer soft matte blush BUT I really like the brightening effect this product has on my face.

It's described as having "complexion boosters that infuse colour into your skin so it looks like it’s coming from within" and adds "a silky coral pink glow to your complexion for a radiant finish". I have found that this shade of blusher brings life back into my face when it's looking a bit dull and it really brings out my blue eyes. I think this would suit most skin tones as it can be used very lightly for paler girls but you can build up the colour if you have darker skin. You only need a really small amount of the product to create a lovely natural flush on your cheeks like in the pic below...

So I am definitely going to put this in the 'maybe' category for my wedding day, the only thing that's holding me back is the fact that I'm going to be ordering MAC Dollymix blush this week as part of a haul and since I've heard people raving about it so much, I HAVE to give that a go too!