Best Dressed at the 2012 CFDA Awards
Getty

This year's CFDA awards had me particularly excited for two reasons. The first was the fact that Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen were nominated for Best Womenswear Designer for The Row. The second was the fact that this year, for the first time, I voted for all the categories myself. So I feel like I had some part in making Ash and MK the big winners of the night.
The Olsens obviously chose to wear looks from The Row. They felt a bit more summery than they usually do, which probably has to do with the fact that they belong to their latest Cruise 2013 collection. I was also gladly surprised to see Mary-Kate has gone brunette again. I think it really suits her and it sure makes a lot of journalists' job much easier.
Joan Smalls accompanied Michael Kors in one of his designs. I loved the skirt cut and the sort of scalloped hem line. It was very much summer wear but extremely chic and Joan rocked it.
Hilary Rhoda, who has the most amazing eyes ever, went for a silk Rebecca Minkoff number. It was an unexpected choice for an event of this sort but I like the elegant yet slightly casual air of the dress. The colours and cut out details are super chic and they sure bring out her eyes.
No fashion event feels whole without Kate Bosworth so I was chuffed to find her amongst the attendees. She wore Altuzarra and was the designer's date. I was also super happy for Joseph Altuzarra, who won the Swarovski Awards for Womenswear. I, too, voted for him.

* Take a look at my blog for Harper's Bazaar Spain to see more of my favourite looks.

Style.com, Vogue.com

Last night the New York fashion scene celebrated this year's edition of the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards. I have been avidly following the progress of the contestants through Vogue.com's weekly videos. You might remember a mention or two about this lately.

As soon as I woke up this morning I logged on the website to read who the winner was. I happily found out that Joseph Altuzarra was the lucky winner. I had no doubt that the was the most worthy out of all the nominees but I was glad to see all the CFDA judges (that's including Anna Wintour) agree with me –or vote in the direction I would have.

This not only makes me ecstatic because Joseph is one of the most talented young designers –he did train at Givenchy and Proenza, after all– out there but also because I reviewed his first collection two years ago during my first gig as a writer. I can't quite explain why but I feel I have a connection with his clothes because of that.

I thought it would be nice to choose one of my favourite looks from each of his collections. I tried to pick the ones that were, perhaps, more representative of each season. It's great to see the progress when you put all the looks together.

The fashion at the CFDA awards is never ad grand as that of the Met Ball but it's so interesting to see which American designers models and celebrities wear to the event. Last night we saw the usual pretty but plain Calvin Kleins and Michael Kors but also a handful of very stylish and even edgy looks made in America.

My two absolute favourites were Jessica Alba in a custom-made Diane von Furstemberg and Kristen Dunst in Patrick Ervell. I loved Jessica because the colours are very seasonal, the sort of pregnant take on the wrap dress represents the designer and the accessorising adds just the right amount of bling. And Dunst I loved because it was completely unexpected. We've seen so much Chanel with the hair down that we almost forgot what she's capable of. The matching of the nail polish colour and the velvet lapels was exquisite. I was also very keen on the (chavy?) detail of the loops. I can't say why but it works!

Second and third on my list are Miranda Kerr, who I used to hate, in Michael Kors and Karolina Kurkova in a green sequinned Diane von Furstemberg. They were both simple but the side-slit and golden cuffs on Kerr and the hood and Louboutins on Karolina really made them stand out.

The big disappointment of the night were the Olsens, mostly in The Row with a dash of Chanel, LV and Manolos. Ashley's granny look was messy and felt cheap and MK, the better of the two, got the colours and proportions wrong. The only good thing were they The Row bags, which were premiered then. A little Victoria Beckham, no?

[JustJared, Style.com]

This post comes a day late, I know. But I couldn't ignore the opportunity to post this amazing picture of Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen at the CFDA party where this year's nominees where announced. The Olsens are nominated for the Swarovski Award for Womenswear (for The Row) alongside Joseph Altuzarra and Prabal Gurung. I would be surprised if they did even though they clearly deserve it because everything is pointing at Gurung, whose collections are a bit hit and miss if you ask me. My list of favourites for the awards is as follows: Womenswear designer -Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez for Proenza Schouler, Menswear Designer -Michael Bastian, Accessory designer -Jack and Lazaro for Proenza (I love Reed Krakoff but the PS1 is a big hit!), Swarovski Award for menswear -Phillip Lim, Swarovski Award for accessory design -Eddie Borgo.

I am excited to see what MK and Ash wear to the actual awards, for which we'll have to wait until June 6th!! I love these The Row outfits (+ Ashley's Manolo's), which reminded me of Ashley's outfit for the 2008 awards. If this is how they dress for a party I can only begin to imagine what they'll done for the gala.

I'm off.

[Picture: Style.com]

CFDA 2010 awards

I feel like I haven't posted in years and today I am so inspired I could make about 12 posts. Alas, I am only human so I'll stick to a chronological order to relevance so neither of us go mental. Let's start with the CFDA awards from Monday night. This year I was quite excited for one of my favourite new designers, Joseph Altuzarra, to win the Swarovski Womenswear Designer of the Year award. But, apparently, it had to go to the more unoriginal Jason Wu. I was also disappointed by Marc Jacobs' win as I feel slightly iffy about him, both as a person and as a designer. However, the fact that Richard Chai and Alexander Wang won the Swarovski Menswear and Accessories awards, respectively, made me very happy.

Fashion wise it wasn't a super exciting edition. I was happy to see the Olsens on their first official appearance at the awards as CFDA members but, even though they looked great, I always expect them to outshine everyone else. Something that didn't happen this year. My list of best dressed at this year's event even surprised me. My favourite above all was Vogue's Tonne Goodman, who won the Eleanor Lambert Award, in a Michael Kors outfit that pretty much epitomised classic East-coast style. Jessica Biel showed she can actually get it right every so often. She looked absolutely stunning a 30's glamour version of Diane Von Furstemberg's classic wrap dress. I can't explain why I like it so much but I look at it and it just feels right. Iris Apfel totally made my day by wearing one of Nicolas Ghesquière's Balenciaga jackets from SS09. I simply love the fact that a lady of her age can be so fashion-forward and still look appropriate. I really wish she was my grandma.

What I always love about both the Met Ball and the CFDA awards is the fact that designers attend with their muses dresses in their designs. I thought Hayden Christensen in Richard Chai was absolutely genius, they both look so not-bothered. Pretty relaxed as well looked Altuzarra and Vanessa Traina, in a custom-made dress from the SS10 collection turned black for the occasion. Zac Posen looked better than his companion once again. He is a bit of a roller coaster when it comes to collections but he can dress, there is no doubt about that. And then we have Dakota Fanning, who gave Marchesa such a spin it didn't even look it had come from the hands of Georgina Chapman.
I'm off.

[Pictures: Style.com, Zimbio.com, JustJared.buzznet.com, Tommy Ton for Style.com]

Jude's awesome luggage and CFDA nominations

Things seem to move at a glacial pace after fashion week. The never-ending excitement of weeks of displaying collections takes a while to wear off and, in the meantime, we try and find as much new information as possible. Regurgitating FW10 trends doesn't seem enough. That's why rather trivial things like Jude Law's amazing set of leather luggage (I'd personally love to see what's in them) comes hand in hand with the nominations for this year's CFDA awards.

It came as no surprise that the CFDA's Board of Directors Special Tribute was awarded to McQueen, I hope the first of the many tributes to come. Tom Ford's nomination for best menswear designer did put a smile on my face, I hope he gets back on his game and wins mens and womenswear in the near future. Otherwise, I only feel I have to express my irritation for Marc Jacob's eternal and rather undeserved nominations (best accessory designer, hello?) and my content for Christopher Bailey's best international designer award for his work at Burberry and Altuzarra's nomination for the Swarovski Award for Womenswear. Here are the rest of nominees, make your bets.

Womenswear Designer of the Year:
Donna Karan
Marc Jacobs
Alexander Wang
Menswear Designer of the Year:
Michael Bastian
Tom Ford
David Neville & Marcus Wainwright for Rag & Bone
Accessory Designer of the Year:
Alexis Bittar
Lazaro Hernandez & Jack McCollough for Proenza Schouler
Marc Jacobs
Swarovski Award for Womenswear:
Joseph Altuzarra
Jason Wu
Prabal Gurung
Swarovski Award for Menswear:
Richard Chai
Simon Spurr
Patrik Ervell
Swarovski Award for Accessories:
Alexander Wang
Dana Lorenz
Eddie Borgo
The Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award:
Michael Kors
The International Award:
Christopher Bailey for Burberry
Fashion Icon Award:
Iman
The Eugenia Sheppard Award:
Kim Hastreiter (Paper Magazine)
Eleanor Lambert Award:
Tonne Goodman (Vogue)
Board of Directors Special Tribute:
Alexander McQueen

[Credits: JustJared, NbcNewYork]

I'm off.

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?

the NIGHT of your life

The CFDA and Vogue's Fashion Fund gala gathered the most exclusive fahionistas in their most exquisite ensembles and fashion statements. Going through all the photos takes you on the oddest yet most enjoyable trance you've ever been in.

As usual, I do not consider a fashion event truly exclusive unless Armani or HER are there. So this time it was the real deal. Anna Wintour attended the gala in my favourite Chanel Haute Couture dress of the season; isn't she fabulous? Bee Shaffer seems to be following mummy's steps in terms of clothing, wearing a beautiful Dolce & Gabbana with the appropiate amount of leopard prints. Making November's cover of Vogue seems to have had quite an effect on Jennifer Connelly, who presented the gala. She wore an aboultely outstanding Oscar de la Renta dress, but I didn't like the shoes she wore with it. This lady has been both surprising and amazing me lately; Kate Bosworth is constantly getting it right and looking stunning and she did it again as she co-hosted the show in a wine-colored short dress by Proenza Shouler. Those guys are unbelievably talented!



Next one to leave me speechless was Miss I-look-fantastic-no-matter-what Kate Moss in one of "her own" creations for my beloved British brand Top Shop. I don't reckon much people can pull of such a look including full-lenght dress and oversized blazer; but she simply does. You would never think Natalia Vodianova a mum looking at her with that breath-taking body. However, her choice for the night —a Valentino Haute Couture— was unfortunate. One of my favourite pictures from the night is the one pratraying fashion-legends Ralph Lauren (and wife Ricky), Donna Karan, Diane Von Furstemberg and Valentino. How cool would it be to be right there in the middle?! They all look fantabulous, but let me focus on the Laurens. He looks absolute dandy, but she looks like she ran away from a Middle Age market! Design-genious Marc Freaking Jacobs posed with boyfriend Jason Preston as he resumed his very own gay parade that's been going on for months, now. She was one of the highlights of the night. Dita Von Teese showed up in the most superb Marchesa dress and left me stoned.



British icons Agyness Deyn and Henry Holland took advantage of their contract and attended the gala in quite "interesting" outfits by Burberry Prorsum. Another of the guests was Lapo Elkann, in one of his signature Italian vintage ensembles. Vera Wang went for a more casual and very ethnic outfit by herself. The Olsens made their way into the event holding from the arms of Giambattista Valli (who dressed Mary-Kate) and Francisco Costa (Calvin Klein creative director who dressed Ashley). Elle McPherson is looking better and better with age and even more so when she's wearing Valentino. The Karan women are gorgeous by nature, my only choice is becoming a mormon as I cannot decide whether to marry one or the other. Bette Middler posed with the designer resposible for her look, Michael Kors. Carolina Herrera found talent and the source to eternal youth at a time and she attended the found gala with hubby Reinaldo looking magnificent!

It was also very nice to see some less celebrated people in pretty well-chosen clothing. This is the case of Tatiana Santo Domingo (above top) in Missoni, Aerin Lauder Zinterhofer (above) in Oscar de la Renta, Helen Lee Schiffer in Proenza Schouler and Alexis Bryan in Alberta Ferretti.

[Credit photos: Sherly Rabbani & Josephine Solimene; style.com]

Click here to see all the couture that attended the gala.

I'm off.

it's my PARTY and i wear what i want to

Get ready for a hardcore fashion event...


Just a week ago, everyone in the fashion business gathered for THE awards of the year. The CFDA Awards, the fashion Oscars.
This year the Council of Fashion Designers of America celabrated its 25th anniversary as they also celebrated a whole life of achievements for Ralph Lauren with the American Fashion Legend award.



If that wasn't enough, he also HAD to be the winner for Menswear Designer of the Year. It was about time he received a glamourous sample of affection from his fellow designers and fashion buddies.
Mr. Genious Lauren was not, however, the only name that was applauded that same night. A man who recently dazzled us with his resort collection won the award for Womenswear Designer of the Year. But Oscar de la Renta was not the only winner this time, oh no, Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough of Proenza Schouler forced the jury into having to end up in a tie. But how bad can that be, having two winners?
Then was Derek Lam who came on stage to pick up his Accesory Designer of the Year award. After whom Monsieur Cardin, Pierre Cardin, reached out for his International award.
Photography god Patrick Demarchelier got this year's Eleanor Lambert award.


Now I may proceed to report the HUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGE list of masters of fashion dressed on either their own designs or by their favourite designers and that night's party pals.


Just to make you aware of the importance this event has, notice the presence of HER. My whole body writhes of excitement when I look at her. ANNA WINTOUR, US Vogue's Editor-in-Chief, was indeed there. And not only that, but she was wearing an Oscar de la Renta gown from his latest cruise collection which was premiered that same morning. This is, therefore, another way of her showing off her extreme power in this, our world.
She was followed —and not only metaphorically—by this year's winner of the winners Ralph Lauren accompanied by TV's queen Oprah Winfrey. Then some other magnificent figures of fashion made their way along the red carpet. Diane Von Furstemberg had to come since she is president of the CFDA.




Debra Messing kept Michael Kors company for the night as he provided her with a superb cyan blue dress. German top model and Bravo's Project Runway host and producer Heidi Klum also chose Kors to dress her up for the party, Calvin Klein's designer Italo Zuccelli showed up with Alicia Keys wearing one of his designs. Oscar de la Renta attended the party with Fliza Red Bolen who wore one of de la Renta's masterpieces from his cruise collection. Then we could see shoe king Christian Lobutin walking the red velvet and pucking Mary Kate Olsen on the face as she wore an Elizabeth Sames gown and her Miu Miu bag (that she's been using the followong days). After that half of the Olsens, the other half came in looking extremely beautiful in a full-length dark blazer and gorgeous make-up and hair. Marc Jacobs caught up the attention from all the flashes looking pretty elegant; after him it was Calvin Klein himself who charmed the cameras. Photographer Patrick Demerchelier attended the award-giving with his wife Mila. Official most beautiful woman in the universe Riyo Mori shone with a Vivienne Tam dress, who went with Miss Universe to the event. Anna Wintour's daughter was also one of the VIP's of the night and was in for the show with a creation form Giambattista Valli.

























Model Lily Cole chose Valentino and went short, as Kate Bosworth did with a design from one of the night's winners Proenza Schouler. Also awarded Pierre Cardin stepped on the scarlet carpet and fashion-disaster-of-the-night Chloë Sevigny was next showing off her personal awful taste with a gorgeous —though— Holly Dunlap gown who posed on her side. Donna and Gaby demonstrated beauty runs in the veins of the Karan females. Zac Posen was responsible for Karen Elson's look and for her company. Vera Wang and the couple made up by Lance Lapere and dark-skinned beauty Liya Kebede in a Michael Kors' followed. Nadja Swarovski posed with the Olsens as Dee Odeppo did with west-coast genious designer Tommy Hilfiger.















































********************************************************************

Like any other stylish party packed with rich people, it had obviously have to lead to a later dinner. And everyone had to obviously change their outfits for they had been on for sooo long!
Ashley Olsen preferred a The Row styling to have some food eaten and her double went for a Holly Harp. Kings of the night Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough, the Demarcheliers, Derek Lamb, Diane Von Fustemberg and Francisco Costa joined everyone for dinner too.

























Hope you enjoyed it. Pray for me to be there next year.
I'm off.

(Photos credit: Sherly Rabbani and Josephine Solimene from style.com)