Top Searched Fashion Brands On Bing.com

According to The Wall Street Journal, here are the Top Searched Fashion Brands On Bing.com in 2011:



1. Gucci2. Ralph Lauren3. Y-34. Louis Vuitton5. Chanel6. Guess7. J. Crew8. Coco Chanel9. John Galliano10. Burberry

Runway Report: Paris Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011--Dior!!!

Dior Haute Couture...sans Galliano:

Fashion Darlings: Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011 Fashion Week began this past Monday and ended yesterday (I know, only three days!). So, naturally, I am here as your "Fashion Servant" to give you the highlights and my "Nick V. Two Cents" on what the top designers offered in terms of these rarefied hand-made $100,000+ clothes on the catwalks. These clothes are then either shown or lent to stylists for their famous Hollywood clients to wear to BIG Red Carpet events, given to fashion editors to feature in their magazines, or hopefully, ordered by that very small list of multi-millionaire clientele (estimated at just 400 in the entire World!) from Dallas to Dubai, Mumbai, Beijing and Shanghai.

First up: Christian Dior Haute Couture:

Cirque de Couture: Christian Dior Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

This show, of course, was one of the most--if not THE MOST-anticipated show of the season. Obviously since, it was the first Dior Haute Couture showing following John Galliano's unceremonious departure and firing. Lots was expected of Bill Gaytten, who has taken over (for now) as the head of the Dior Design Team. He's been with John Galliano & Co. for over 20 years so if any one can sense what Galliano would have done and what direction he would have gone in, it would be him. Did he live up to this? It seems the reaction was mixed:

Here's a quote from Tim Blanks of style.com, of what he thought of the show and the clothes:
On the evidence of today's first Dior couture show without John Galliano, what happens is a misjudged effort to impress an alien thumbprint on an aesthetic that, for better or worse, is one of the fashion industry's most clearly defined......
Then came Karlie Kloss, dressed as a Pierrot, sad clown all alone in the spotlight as the soundtrack failed and glitter showered down. But the stardust missed her by this much. And that felt like some kind of crazy cosmic metaphor.
Ouch, I think...

Bronzed Twisted Princesses: Christian Dior Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

The show had three distinct sections. It began with lots of color, prints, stripes, all very "Cirque de Dior". Fall/Winter for the Dior Couture ladies will not be a dark and somber one. It also looked very 80's Neon/Maripol/Stephen Sprouse/Memphis Movement. The Dior Bar Jacket showed up several times, but somehow it's still didn't have the same effect when Galliano did his magic with it. The pleating, twisting and intricate draping that the Dior Couture House of petite mains are known for, was all there. But there seemed to be something missing...

Valley of the Dior Dolls: Christian Dior Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

The second section was a "Caftan" late 1970's "Disco" section and to be honest, after looking at the photos and the video, this was my favorite part of the show and I almost wish Creative Director Bill Gaytten and his Dior Design Team would have done a complete collection of Caftans, almost as a cleansing of the Galliano aesthetic. I just wished the entire show was ONE STRONG Statement a la "Flower Power Dior" (Fall 2010 Collection), "Dior Goes Equestrian" (Spring 2010 Collection), or "Tutankhamen Dior", but instead this one had several and they were rather incohesive. It should have been all "Caftan Valley-of-the-Dolls Couture!".

Petticoat Clowns: Christian Dior Fall/Winter 2011 Haute Couture

Of course, in the end, there were Ball Gowns. Huge, entrance-making ones. This was supposed to be the "Grand Finale" but again, these out-of-control gowns fell flat--especially on a runway that was not wide enough for them (what happened there?). The gown above is the one Tim Blanks was referring to--the (somewhat sad) Pierrot Clown Gown. It is definitely difficult to carry on after Galliano and only time will tell, if he will succeed. Don't miss the designer (and his assistant Susanna Venegas) uncomfortable bow at the end of the video...

Click Below for Full Video of the Christian Dior Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011 Show:

Kate Moss Weds Jamie Hince-Bride Wears John Galliano and Groom: YSL

Supermodel Bride...

Jamie Hince (in YSL) of "the Kills" weds Supermodel Kate Moss (in John Galliano Custom)

Lots of Big Weddings going on--The Monaco Royal Wedding and yesterday: Supermodel Kate Moss wed The Kills guitarist Jamie Hince at St Peter's Church in the Cotswolds, west-central England.

Besties: John Galliano and Kate Moss

Ever the rebel, Kate stayed true to her close friend (ignoring political correctness) and wore a custom John Galliano bias-cut sequined gold-leaf embroidered silk creme-colored gown while her new hubby wore a Stefano Pilati for YSL light blue double-breasted suit. Love his YSL "Johnny Boots" (my favorite! I own Two and looking for more!!!). I also love how the shirt-cuffs are completely showing and how dapper his entire ensemble looks. Rocker Chic.

Speaking of shoes, Shoe Couturier Manolo Blahnik designed a special pair of heels for Kate which included blue insoles for the "something blue".

The silk tulle veil--which also had embroidered flowers--was wrapped in a 1920's/1930's style, around her loose curls, hair style done by hair stylist to the Top Models and Stars, Sam McKnight.

Kate had 15 (!) bridesmaids--all wearing pretty flower headbands--including her daughter Lila. Guests in attendance were Naomi Campbell in Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci, Vogue Editor Anna Wintour (who has been in England for Wimbledon), Stella McCartney, Jude Law and "my Macy's girl" Kelly Osbourne.

Mari Testino (above) was the "official" photographer (you would think he would use a more, say "professional" camera??!!) and it was reported that the wedding was to be exclusively covered by American Vogue. Vogue is planning a large spread in the September Issue (naturally). Inquiring minds want to know: Does that mean that Vogue payed for part of the wedding? Regardless of who payed, looking at the fact that these photos are out and look very "official photos"-esque, clearly there was either not a "Vogue Exclusive" or someone is in BIG trouble! Either way, the new Bride and Groom looked FAB! This is an example of a perfect "Hipster Nuptial".

Kate Moss Wedding Dress by John Galliano

It has been confirmed! Kate Moss will say "I do" to Jamie Hince tomorrow in a wedding dress by John Galliano. According to Vogue.co.uk, a reliable source revealed this trivia. Aside from Kate Moss' wedding dress details, the source also unveiled that
her maid of honour, Trish Simonon,will wear an Erdem creation, while Sadie Frost, whose daughter will be a bridesmaid, will wear a dress by Christopher Beale.

Runway Report: Paris Menswear Fashion Week Spring 2012: John Galliano

Galliano Without Galliano...

Swashbuckling Boys: John Galliano Menswear Spring 2012

Last week, The Fashion House of John Galliano showed the first Menswear Collection done without the name behind the brand. Galliano, in fact, was in court--in Paris--around the same time trying to give his version of what happened that fateful night and well, give his excuses for why he said the terrible things he said. In emotional testimony, Galliano blamed pressures of a pitiless industry for pushing him off the brink and into prescription drugs and alcohol addictions.

But the House that is owned by Dior President and CEO Sydney Toledano wanted none of that. Instead, the focus was on the collection designed by Galliano longtime collaborator Bill Gaytten, who has been with the company for over 20 years and in fact is still part of the Dior Design Team. Here's the ironic part of the Galliano Menswear Spring 2012 Collection: A lot of it looked as if it was an Ode to Galliano himself; one entire section seemed very "Galliano as The Muse": The Dandy hats with feathers, the open vests under bare torsos, the swashbuckling stylings, all of it. In fact, at the end, it was as if most of the Models were serious John Galliano doppelgangers--apologetically.

There were 4 distinct categories of the show: The John Galliano Bohemian Swashbuckler, The Effeminate School Boy, The Hipster in Silk PJ's and The Toreador Rocker Bad Boy.

Glee Chic: John Galliano Menswear Spring 2012

This section of the "Geek-Chic School Boys" was great. I loved the color combination (not a surprise) and the soft pastels. Great ties as well. It was VERY "Harry Potter" meets "Glee".

Hipsters in PJ's: John Galliano Menswear Spring 2012

This was the weakest section to me. It was almost like they decided "Hey, we need to sell some John Galliano Underwear to keep this House in the black, so send some guys down the runway in their skivvies". Some look almost saggy, like they'd been washed one too many times. But I guess, after seeing those silk pajama pants at D&G, it's now officially a "Menswear Spring 2012" Trend. Boys: Go get some silk printed pajama pants ASAP!

Bullfighter Rock-On: John Galliano Menswear Spring 2012

To me this was the strongest section. I loved the mix of Toreador chic and cool Rocker Boy. Skinny pants, pointed shoes, strong boxy jackets, lots of Toreador-like embellishments. I felt the new designer's voice was most apparent here and since this was the close of the show maybe it was to demonstrate the "new" House of John Galliano...without Galliano.

Click Below for the Full Runway Video of John Galliano Menswear Spring 2012:

Christian Dior Haute Couture by John Galliano Runway Show Video Look Back--Part One

An Haute Couture Legacy...a Runway Video Look Back:

Cleopatra Meets Tutankhamen Couture: Spring/Summer 2004

Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2004 Part 1:

Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2004 Part 2:

Madama Butterfly Couture: Spring/Summer 2007

Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2007 Part 1:

Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2007 Part 2:

Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2007 Part 3:

Christian Dior Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2007 Part 4:

Les Artistes Couture: Autumn/Winter 2007

Christian Dior Haute Couture Autumn/Winter 2007 Part 1:

Christian Dior Haute Couture Autumn/Winter 2007 Part 2:

Christian Dior Haute Couture Autumn/Winter 2007 Part 3:

Christian Dior Haute Couture Autumn/Winter 2007 Part 4:

Paris Pret-a-Porter Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2011: Dior, Galliano

A Fashion Giant Has Fallen...But The Show Must Go On...

Atelier Bow: This is who took the Final Bow at Dior Fall/Winter 2011

As we all know by now, a Fashion Genius has fallen. We are all in shock over the news of John Galliano, his dismissal and more importantly, the inexcusable behavior that prompted it shown in THAT video. Yes, the Video Seen Around The World. So sad, that John Galliano's legacy could be reduced to this. When one Google's "John Galliano" for years to come, "Fashion Design Genius" is hardly the first thing that will come up. Yet, he did it all to himself, as the video suggests. Bridget Foley wrote an AMAZING article titled "A Dark Pall Over Paris" in last Wednesday's WWD which summed it all up beautifully and eloquently.

John Galliano

As Paris Pret-a-Porter Fall/Winter 2011 Fashion Week is getting under way, all of this DRAMA looms like an Elephant In the Room. And it was no more evident when the House of Dior was to unveil its latest Fall/Winter 2011 offering, all designed by Monsieur Galliano. But, as they say: The Show Must Go On. So here, I post the Dior Fall/Winter 2011 as well as the namesake Galliano Fall/Winter 2011 Collections...all sans John Galliano.

Dior Fall/Winter 2011:

Fox Huntin': Dior Fall/Winter 2011

Style.com's Tim Blanks, who was there to review said this: "Overtaken by events, this ready-to-wear show ended up as a swan song, but it was a pale testament to the extraordinary work the ateliers have done for Galliano over the past 14 years. The proper tribute would ideally have been one of the Dior couture shows, where the extravagant drama of the designer's soaring imagination was evenly matched by breathtaking workmanship."

King's Speech Fur: Dior Fall/Winter 2011

There were Equestrian themes, 1920's/1930's silhouettes, all very "Queen Mother in The King's Speech... for 2011", wearable suits, lots of LUXE furs, silk chiffon and lace gowns and pretty cocktail dresses to satisfy all the Dior lovelies. Every time I go into an actual Dior boutique, I am always surprised by how there's NOTHING of that Galliano UBER CRAZY on display--you walk in and what do you see? The purses, sunglasses, shoes, accessories. Well, of course, that's what sells! And then way in the back, the clothes: Elegant well-tailored chic suitings, simple yet sexy cocktail dresses. This, also, was what was on display in this--John Galliano's final collection-- for the House of Dior.

Snake Fur Luncheon: Dior Fall/Winter 2011

Sheer Lady Dior: Dior Fall/Winter 2011

Baby Doll Dior: Dior Fall/Winter 2011

Cocktails at Plaza Athenee: Dior Fall/Winter 2011

Dior Fall/Winter 2011 Edited Runway Show Video:

Galliano Fall/Winter 2011

Colbert Meet Gable: Galliano Fall/Winter 2011

The John Galliano Fall/Winter 2011 Collection was shown, and yes, without its Designer. It was a 20-piece showing. It was all very 1930's--a theme Galliano loves. Suits that looked elegant but yet were meticulously--and purposely--tattered. Draped and folded jackets that would be at home in a Claudette Colbert/Clark Gable film and a Kimono gown that just needed a spiral staircase in Bel Air. Most of it looked like it came from a closet of a long-gone Hollywood Screen Siren/Goddess. Gorgeous yet very sad at the same time. Just like John Galliano's career.

Tweed Funeral: Galliano Fall/Winter 2011

Cocoon Diva: Galliano Fall/Winter 2011

Hostess Gown: Galliano Fall/Winter 2011

Angelic: Galliano Fall/Winter 2011

Galliano Fall/Winter 2011 Final Model Walk Video:

Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011: Christian Dior

A Tribute to René Gruau...

Grace Kelly 2011: Dior Haute Couture Spring 2011

Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2011 Fashion Week began yesterday in Paris, following the Menswear Shows--and so the "Oscars Gowns Race" begins...First up Christian Dior Haute Couture by John Galliano.

Theme: It was a Tribute to renowned illustrator... René Gruau (above) who worked for numerous magazines including Elle, L'Officiel, Vogue, and Marie Claire, among others, as well as doing several of the Dior ad campaigns.

He gave life to the stunning Haute Couture creations in the magazines showing the exaggerated shapes and ultra elegant emotions only Haute Couture can emote. As a result, Gruau popularized and expanded its worldwide appeal.

Oscar Gown, No Alterations Needed: On a non-5'11" actress, this will hit the FLOOR, Dior Haute Couture Spring 2011

Trends: For Spring 2011, Galliano played on the "Ultimate Dior Muse": Wasp-waisted, 50's silhouettes; High-low (shorter in front, longer in back) dresses; Grace Kelly in Monaco-meets-Princess Soraya of Iran; Vermillion reds, rose pinks, nudes, ivory, bronzed copper, ombre iridescent shadings; Gowns, Gowns and More Gowns (it's COUTURE darlings!).

Office Couture: Dior Haute Couture Spring 2011

Tim Blanks, of Style.com said this: It was remarkable that such extravagance managed to capture the speed, the spontaneity, the airiness, even the economy of the illustrator's work. Opulently swagged tops and gowns bobbed and floated like billowing sails. One utterly gorgeous thing hid roses in clouds of white marabou. Dior's New Look was an obvious source point for skirts that flared from corseted waists or dropped pencil-thin to below the knee from rounded hips.

Here I offer some of my favorites which you might see at the Academy Awards Red Carpet...

High-Low Ball: Rose pink strapless ball gown, Dior Haute Couture Spring 2011

Pink Swan Natalie Portman Couture: Dior Haute Couture Spring 2011

Tilda Swinden: Strapless Gown, Dior Haute Couture Spring 2011

Vintage Dior: Another "Oscar Candidate", The "twisted drape" strapless gown above from Dior Haute Couture Spring 2011 reminds me A LOT of...

This iconic Compiègne ball gown from Dior's 1954 Collection. Sublime...and worth repeating. Kudos Galliano and House of Dior Haute Couture Atelier!

Click Below for Dior Haute Couture Spring 2011 Runway Video:

Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011 Highlights--Photos & Runway Video: Alexander McQueen, Dior, YSL and Louis Vuitton!!

McQueen Warrior Goddesses, Sailor Girlfriends, YSL Cigarette Girls and Vuitton Asianas

Ombré Queen: Fan-pleated, dip-dyed and twisted organza gown, Alexander McQueen Spring 2011

Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2011:

Office Diva: Fitted suit with feathered collar, Alexander McQueen Spring 2011

As we know, after the untimely passing of designer Alexander McQueen 9 months ago, his right hand, Sarah Burton was in charge of following in his creative genius footsteps. Burton had already been actually designing the line--along with Alexander McQueen for a while so it was a good guess that there wouldn't be a "Design Earthquake" occurring with this or any near-future collection.

Butch McQueen: Pant suit with gold embroidered leaf detail, Alexander McQueen Spring 2011

Spring/Summer 2011 was the first full runway show outing for Burton and by all accounts, it was a sublime outing. All the looks were VERY McQueen: The sexy, strong corseted dresses, the bold, whimsical yet mysterious prints, the Nouveau-Renaissance Warrior Goddess suiting, powerful shoes, and almost Angel-like gowns...

High-Low: White gown from Alexander McQueen Spring 2011

There was a flora-and-fauna disposition throughout the collection, from the pheasant-feathered skirts to leather leaves, golden wheat sheath dresses and raffia-covered brocades.

Kaleidoscopic: Printed fit-and-flare cocktail dress, Alexander McQueen Spring 2011

There's plenty here for McQueen Muse--and beer heiress--Daphne Guinness to like, as well as Young Hollywood Starlets, the likes of Carey Mulligan and Keira Knightley to wear on the red carpet. Designer Sarah Burton has big shoes to fill, but if this collection is any indication, she's on the right path.

Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2011 Runway Show:

Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2011:

Shipwrecked: White parka, Polynesian-inspired printed dress and black booties with white scrunchie socks, Dior Spring 2011

Ahoy Sailor! Yep, for Spring 2011 John Galliano's Dior girl is waiting for her sailor boyfriend to return home. Either that, or the Dior girl is his mistress at one of his many port towns. Now, he wouldn't be just a Sailor if she could afford Dior. And she wouldn't just be any girlfriend or mistress: She would be a very EXPENSIVE one. Models stomped the catwalk in sailor hats and ultra feminine frocks constructed from silk chiffon, crepe and georgette. Colorful "island" prints dominated. The hairstyles were definitely Retro as well: Bangs and turned under dos, very Betty Paige Pin-Up.

Calendar Pin Up: Model Chanel Iman works these printed shorts and twist-knot blouse, Dior Spring 2011

Of course, the clothes were great but the stars, were the accessories. Most fashion insiders know that Fashion Houses like Dior only make their money in purses, sunglasses, shoes and perfumes (for the most part). Here were two of my faves from this collection:

The highest leather Bootie pumps featuring Espadrille-like heels, buckles and "scrunchie socks" were so chic.....

And this royal blue Lady Dior patent leather bag will be a must-have for any Sailor's girlfriend with an extra $2500 in her--or her man's--checking account.

Christian Dior Spring/Summer 2011 Runway Show (DO NOT MISS John Galliano's end-of-the-show walk!):

Yves Saint Laurent Spring/Summer 2011:

Le Smoking 2011: Danish Model Freja Beha Erichsen in a black center-front slit gown, YSL Spring 2011

During this past Spring 2011 Fashion Week Season, so many designers--Jason Wu and Marc Jacobs to name a few, were inspired by the Master, Yves Saint Laurent. I think a lot had to do with this Summer's YSL Retrospective in Paris. I was lucky enough to have gone and yes, it was AMAZING!

Ready for my Cointreau Digestif: Aquamarine printed silk dress, YSL Spring 2011

So, since YSL was in the "air", it was up to the actual designer for the House of Yves Saint Laurent, Stefano Pilati, to really show everyone how it's done. And he did. It was an "Homage to the Master"--with plenty of transparency, flounces and ruffles, strong tailoring and even some ensembles resembling the iconic "Le Smoking".

Olé: Strapless ruffled black and fuchsia belted dress, YSL Spring 2011

But at the same time, Pilati brought the YSL woman to this decade, modernized her a little bit and added very directional pieces that she would love. I'm sure Monsieur Yves was smiling up in Heaven.

YSL Spring/Summer 2011 Runway Show:

Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2011

Like Dior, Louis Vuitton is one of those Fashion Houses that makes its bread-and-butter not on the clothes but on it's purses, luggage and sunglasses (to name just a few). I certainly got it when I visited the Paris flagship on the Champs Elysees over the Summer and saw the massive throngs of people BUYING EVERYTHING on the first and second purse-and-luggage floors. The clothing area, alas, was empty.

But Louis Vuitton designer Marc Jacobs has the envious job of having the luxury to push the boundaries of fashion with each new collection. For Spring 2011, he decided to go to the Far East. This makes sense since that's where the new, much-sought after Luxury Goods client is living. But it could be argued as to why a Millionaire's wife in Shanghai would want to dress up like she's in costume? Irregardless, there was lots of Asiana references as seen above.

There was also lots of transparency and high slits to you-know-where. It was a bold, colorful and a visually entertaining collection. Jacobs also got some Top Supermodels of the past to WORK the runway including a red-haired Carmen Kass, as well as Alek Wek (seen above).

and Kristen McMenamy (above) who ended the show in high-waisted black satin trousers and a zebra-print jersey top. Attagurl!

Louis Vuitton Spring/Summer 2011 Runway Show: