Wednesday, June 4

swarming with style

As much as I don't like to admit it, the CFDA awards make me more excited than Christmas day. Some people say the Oscars, some the Met gala; the truth is this is the fashion event of the year. It is not only yet another occasion to wear a new expensive piece of designer clothing, but also the moment to celebrate fashion itself. This year's awards made me quite happy, Tom Ford was recognized for his exquisite vision and delicate craftsmanship in menswear for the first time since back in 2001 when he refurbished and sprang back to life Gucci and YSL. Calvin Klein's designer, Francisco Costa, recieved the womenswear designer of the year award. The Swarovski awards for mens and womenswear also increased my level of joy —Scott Sternberg for Band of Oursiders and Kate and Laura Mulleavy for Rodarte, respectively.


Not many awards are handed in this ceremony, which is the reason why the red carpet and the previous cocktail party are bigger deals. The cocktail party was the time to show off your skills dressing casually, paying the closest attention to detail and making it look like they simply jump of bed, throw on their back the first thing at hand, and hopped into the limo.
Thakoon Panichgul and Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough from Proenza Schouler always get it right, no matter what the etiquette requires. Sadly, most women only looked cute in a common kind of way. Only Ashley Olsen (Duh!) and Katie Lee Joel looked genuinely chic and stylish!




Now, without further ado, let's get on with the photo call. Regardless of my happiness due to the awarded fashionistas, I was in awe by how the tables have turned —it is now men who are stepping up fashion-wise, showing that it is not only the ladies who know how to do it.
However, it was the female attendants who mourned the death of Monsieur Yves Saint Laurent in their own particular way; that is, wearing Le Smoking. Once again, the-love-of-my-life Ashley Olsen did it all much better. Her choice, a Calvin Klein smoking, was not only an utter knock-out, but also a homage to both YSL and Francisco Costa. CFDA president, Diane von Furstemberg (in vintage YSL) and Carolina Herrera —who received the Lifetime Achievement award— joined in with their respective jacket and suitpants, also mourning the death of the man who "set the woman free" (skirt-wise). Victoria Beckham seems to be enjoying being a socialite in the States, she attended the gala in a beautiful puffy-hearted Marc Jacobs and looked very jovial and fun, which was good for a change. Maggie Gyllenhaal pulled off an outstanding Proenza Schouler and instantly made it to the best-dressed top. Naomi Campbell, someone whose choices I don't usually agree with but who provides great fun when it comes to kicking paparazzi butts, wore a sleek YSL I couldn't but adore. Kasia Struss, in Rodarte and Kate Schelter, in Erin Fetherston finish off my list of the best clothing choices.



Nonetheless, I said it was the men who shone brighter this time. And this will prove it. Starting with winner Tom Ford in "himself" and giving a lesson of old-fashioned elegance, and continuing with Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez teaching the opposite, 2008 smart-wear. If you have been reading my past posts about menswear you will not be surprised to see how many different interpretations of a suit can be found among the attendants of the gala. Phillip Lim and Richard Chai portrayed the two extremes —the very modern cropped-pant suit with diverse (quite remarkable) details and the very classic shiny-lapeled black suit. Chris Benz did his thing as he always does, avoiding the tie and adding up his personal touch with ethnic bracelets and a filthy pair of white converse. Alexander Wang is another fellow who can stay true to his personal style while looking much better than most people in the room; he went for black jeans and blazer and a low round-neck tee. Zac Posen did a great job mixing up greys, blacks and bright blue striking a pose in his signature way.

Which one is your favourite?

[Picture credit: Style.com]

I'm off.

PS. Why is it that Style.com's pictures are not that good?

18 comments:

Charlotte said...

My vote is for Ashley Olsen, she is trying hard, don't you think? I also love Vicky's dress.

Andy said...

Omg. You're so nice!! Your comment is really cute... thank you soooooo much.. :-)

I'll be back really soon. xxx

ellie said...

Thanks for the note.

Very impressive blog.

Miby said...

I personally love Marc Jacobs, but in my opinion I have to say that Vicky is not looking very well in that dress, so, I will stay with the Calvin Klein's tuxedo that the twin Olsen is wearing and Naomi's eternal Yves Saint Laurent vintage outfit!:)

Sarah Mendelsohn said...

i love the CFDA awards too! hahah. great post. i love marc jacobs and victoria looks smashing.

p.s. you're so flyyy inaki. i wanna be your friend.

Ray TETAUIRA said...

i love erin oconnor !! good style and Posh spice is just too much !! so fed up :(

Winnie said...

Ashley Olsen reminds me yet again how much I need a black blazer!

atelier said...

I am so tired of Vicky... I can't believe Mr. Jacobs was laughing at her not so long ago and now they are best friends... how cinic is fashion industry sometimes...

My vote for A. Wang, for being so authentic, remain loyal to his style, and still looking awesome

Rebecca, The Clothes Horse said...

The Rodarte dress. I LOVE Rodarte!

Danz said...

I like Katie Lee Joel's outfit and Victoria's dress is really cute. Also, Zac Posen looks as handsome and stylish as ever!

María said...

Erin Wasson is my favourite for taking the courage to attend the ball.

Phillip Lim looks like an Oompa Loompa with the cropped pants...they do him no favour.

wecouldgrowup2gether said...

oh the Proenza Schouler boys, always so dreamy

riz said...

I'm so happy for Costa!! I'm sorry but it's hard to top AShley Olsen...

Raych said...

Thanks for the recap!

Okay, I personally love Kasia's Rodarte and Maggie's outfit, and though I feel V. Beck is extremely overrated, I can't help but to love that bitch. Especially after watching her "Coming to America" mini reality show.

Have you seen it? It's absolutely wonderful!

Shaz said...

i think everyone looks great in their own right. I love the two guys sitting down wearing suits and one has really dirty sneakers on..love it!

I am a big fan of VB, so i love her heart dress, and Ashley is always looking so chic!

Coco's Tea Party said...

I loved Eva Mendes who wore an amazing white dress!
She always looks flawless
the Olsens looked hot too!

Coco's Tea Party said...

I loved Eva Mendes who wore an amazing white dress!
She always looks flawless
the Olsens looked hot too!

Iheartfashion said...

Great picks!
I loved Maggie Gyllenhaal in Proenza!