69th Annual Golden Globe Awards: Who Wore What? Claire Danes in J. Mendel Pre Fall 2012

Claire Danes chose the above Black and White Silk Crepe J. Mendel Pre-Fall 2012 Cocktail Dress for this year's Golden Globe Awards and she (or her stylist) wisely decided to customize it and make it into a stunning gown.

I LOVE the Art Deco Quality, the belted waist detailing and Bugle Beaded Overlay open back.

2011 Tribeca Film Festival: Actress Malin Akerman in J.Mendel leather!!!

Asymmetrical Beauty...

Actress Malin Akerman in J.Mendel, 2011 Tribeca Film Festival

Actress Malin Akerman showed up to the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival "Bang Bang Club" Red Carpet premiere in New York City last night. Showing off her new red hair color, Malin was wearing a sexy tan leather J. Mendel dress featuring a great asymmetrical folded-and-pleated neckline. Love the dress. On the fence with the shoes. I like how they are stacked (points for that!) but not so sure of the color. But, you know what, come to think of it, Malin can really wear just about anything and look AMAZING!

Speaking of...here's a Malin Akerman "Flashback":

Malin Akerman, circa 2003, modeling NIKOLAKI Fall 2003 Los Angeles/Smashbox Fashion Week

Yes, kids, that's Malin Akerman (pre-red hair) modeling in one of my first Los Angeles Smashbox Fashion Week Runway Shows, back in 2003, when--along with my design partner David Paul, we debuted our NIKOLAKI Fall 2003 Collection. She was one of our models!!! And she walked TWICE in the show: First wearing a wool plaid pant ensemble with a copper jersey one shoulder top above.

And then, we put Malin in an asymmetrical silk charmeuse one-shoulder cocktail number with hand-sewn Swarovski crystals (seen above). *And NO! Those aren't her eyebrows, we were being a bit Avante Garde with the make-up!! She did a FABULOUS job in my NIKOLAKI show and well, who would have known that in just a few short years, she would be one of Hollywood's top stars!!! Love ya Malin!

Arizona Muse: NY Fashion Week Fall 2011 Model of The Moment!!

Arizona Madness!

Arizona Muse, YSL Campaign

As I was perusing all the NY Fashion Week fall 2011 Collections--via photos and runway videos--I couldn't help but notice that Model Arizona Muse opened just about EVERY OTHER SHOW!!! I know she was THE model of the moment--or just about, but also seems to be the "IT" runway girl! She opened for:

Derek Lam

Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti

Carolina Herrera

And J. Mendel...among others

Girl was making her money this past week walking for all them shows! And the best part about it is that she can actually walk! Sometimes, those FABULOUS editorial girls "ain't so fabulous" when they step out onto the runway.

Arizona Muse, UK Vogue, February 2011

This used to be the norm back in the 90's and early 21st century but now, these models do Double Duty (editorial & catwalk) and do both well! Congrats to Miss Arizona--I, for one, am a big fan! Maybe one of these days she can model for my NIKOLAKI Collections...Now, get on that transatlantic flight and head over to Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks darling!

NY Fashion Week Fall 2011: Rodarte, J. Mendel

Wheat Fields, Metallics, sequins, More Fur!, Art Deco 1920's Elegance...More NY Fashion week Fall 2011 Highlights!

House on the Rodarte Prairie: Rodarte Fall 2011

Rodarte Fall 2011

Leather Tanner: Rodarte Fall 2011

For Rodarte Fall 2011, the dynamic design duo of sister Kate and Laura Mulleavy, were inspired by the prairie wheat fields. There were several "Prairie Coats", silk mousseline gowns with "exploding" wheat prints at the hems and dresses with "aprons" featuring geometric graphics--it was very "True Grit" Couture-meets-Little House On the Prairie Luxe. The collection seemed almost a departure from what we've seen in the past, in terms of their "Arts-&-Crafty"-a-woolen-knot-here-and-a-twisted-tulle-there dresses. It almost looked (wait for it) more sell-able and commercial. Well, as "commercial" as Rodarte's almost one-of-a-kind pieces can be. Below--and above--are some standouts.

Wheat Gown: Rodarte Fall 2011

Do-Si-Do Square Dancing: Rodarte Fall 2011

We're Not In Kansas Anymore: Rodarte Fall 2011

Click below to watch FULL Runway Show of Rodarte Fall 2011:

J. Mendel Fall 2011:

1920's Goddess: J. Mendel Fall 2011

Dapper J. Mendel Designer Gilles Mendel said that he was influenced by his father's collection of aboriginal art as well as the tribal body art of the indigenous Australians, which he also noted reminded him of Art Deco Architecture--go figure! Yes, we designers can be influenced and inspired by A LOT of things. If this was John Galliano or Jean Paul Gaultier, well, you can only IMAGINE what those models--and the clothes--would look like! However, under Mendel's restrained and elegant tutelage, it became an elegantly subtle inspiration that morphed into silky 1920's gowns featuring geometrically-cut sequins as well as lots of furs--which is something the house knows a thing or two about since it's their "thang"! The collection was GORGEOUS! Take a look:

Art Deco Coat: J. Mendel Fall 2011

A Night Out At The Theater: J. Mendel Fall 2011

Plunging Beauty: J. Mendel Fall 2011

Click Below to watch FULL Runway Show of J. Mendel Fall 2011: