MTV Movie Awards & Coachella — Best Looks!!

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Double fashion feature this week for Fashion Nexus — 2 series of Best Looks! (1) The 2014 MTV Movie Awards & (2) Coachella 2014. Let’s start with the red carpet extravaganza for the MTV Movie Awards.

                     NICKI MINAJ

Nicki certainly knows how to play it up & have fun on the red carpet, but I have to say, I love this sophisticated & chic side with this form-fitting black Alexander McQueen gown. And rather than going bold & daring with the looks, I appreciate that Nicki saved that for her golden jewelry pieces by John Hardy — gilded cuffs, long earrings & a statement-making necklace.

                 JESSICA ALBA

Fun & simplistically sexy — that screams MTV Movie Awards to me! And Jessica has really hit a home-run here. She is clearly ready for summer, as I am! The pairing of this summery bandeau top by Piece d’Anarchive &  flared skirt by Kenzo are truly a match made in heaven. And also pairing with perfection are a couple of her accessories — her printed Jimmy Choo pumps and an environmentally friendly Narciso Rodriguez for Bottletop Collaboration clutch. Lots of jewelry to discuss — earrings by Graziela Gems & rings by Rona Pfeiffer, Melissa Kaye, Derek Lam & Jamie Wolf.

                                                                  

                                  VICTORIA JUSTICE

You certainly have to see the Wow factor with the MTV red carpets — fun, sexiness, boldness — it’s the time to be daring. I appreciate all of that with Victoria’s dusty rose & lavender asymmetrical mini dress by Atelier Versace, which she paired with metallic silver peep-toe heels by Brian Atwood and a matching metallic silver Edie Parker clutch. To top off the look, Victoria wore some jewelry pieces from both Kami Lerner and ELAHN.

                              ROCSI DIAZ

This is a fun look Rocsi has chosen, no bells & whistles, just again looking like someone is ready for some summer fun! The details in this white leather crop top and matching skirt combo by Monica Rose for Lovers + Friends is quite eye-catching. There are also many lovely accessories to compliment this look — nude Christian Louboutins & jewelry by Jennifer Fisher.

MTV’S NEWEST SERIES “FAKING IT” NEWCOMERS — RITA VOLK & BAILEY BUNTAIN

These somewhat red carpet newbies are killing it for me — very topnotch looks! 1st up, Rita looks super confident & sexy in her black & white # with an asymmetrical hem. Bailey is opting for a fun & flirty look with her metallic silver Alice + Olivia dress with matching silver Aldo heels & clutch.

Moving onto Coachella………… So Coachella is a widely known music festival. While known for the music, it’s also known for some pretty standout & trendy styles — perfect for spring & summer. Let’s have a look-see at some amazing looks from the music-filled fest!

Let’s start w/ the Coachella queen because if there ever was one, it would be VANESSA HUDGENS!

      Here, V is wearing a Voodoo “Tiny Tri” bikini top & Pharoah Bandit cutoffs, both by OneTeaspoon.

Here, opting for a few minutes sans sandals, Vanessa is wearing a black & printed Mara Hoffman top & black fringed For Love & Lemons skirt, also paired with a black Cleobella backpack. The jewelry is all from Spell & The Gypsy.

Multi-printed & multi-faceted Camilla kaftan

                                  NINA DOBREV

Attending Soho Desert House w/ Bacardi & Spotify — Let’s take a look at the great accessories to compliment this flowing maxi — Yosi Samra sandals, white fringed Patricia Nash satchel, Doloris Petunia bracelet, & Phylis + Rosie earrings.

         ASHLEY GREENE

Ashley looks super trendy & effortlessly so in this nude Cleobella “Nora” dress with detailed cutouts. For accessories — she is sporting The Giving Keys necklace & grey Isabel Marant’s “Dicker” boots

         ROSIE HUNTINGTON-WHITELEY

This is a bit more Coachella upscale, but still lovely nonetheless. Rosie is wearing a white off-the-shoulder Kenzo dress, paired w/ jewelry from JewelMint.

            JAMIE CHUNG

Hanging out at Guess Hotel — wearing Armani Exchange white top, Rebecca Minkoff shorts, grey Rag and Bone hat, Guess sunglasses.

                   EMMY ROSSUM

Attending an Alexander Wang and H&M event — wearing a stunning blue printed H&M maxi dress, paired w/ Salvatore Ferragamo sandals

                  DIANNA AGRON

Fruttare Hangout — wearing Mara Hoffman‘s cut-out Tea-length dress; Tory Burch Amalie sandals — looking great in this bold print maxi, perfect for an easy breezy day!

     JULIANNE HOUGH & LOUISE ROE

Julianne’s nude shorts are N/TICE —

        KATY PERRY & LEA MICHELE

Both ladies look amazing! Katy is wearing a floral Palm Jacquard pencil skirt & Robert Clergerie platform sandals. Lea opted for a light pink lace-tiered shift dress & Topshop “Romy” padded strap sandals.

         WHITNEY PORT

Taking a quick break at the Guess Hotel

ASHLEY BENSON — Bootsy Bellows estate, using a black Donatienne bag.

                PARIS & NICKY HILTON

SELENA GOMEZ & KENDALL AND KYLIE JENNER — Selena is wearing a see-thru lace dress by Free People, which is paired w/ Steve Madden “Troopa” black boots. 1st pictured, Kylie, is wearing a Rock Refinery “David Bowie” tank, Karen London gypsy ring & Mr. Kate lattice ring.

It’s That Time — The UTG Season Finale!!

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Ahhh! Can you believe it — the Under the Gunn finale is coming to an end. The 3 mentors are all still standing and 4 designers are fighting for their chance to be the UTG Season 1 winner. Nick has Oscar, while Anya has Shan. But it’s Mondo who has the 50/50 shot to win with 2 designers — Sam & Asha. So how will this season’s winner be selected??

Each designer had to create a 5-look collection showcasing their point of view as a designer. The challenge was limited to just 3 short days and with a budget of $2500. Before heading off to Mood though, Brian Bolian, the Corporate Marketing Manager for Lexus stopped by to hand each mentor/designer team keys to a Lexus to drive to Mood for their shopping trip — SWEET! The UTG models were also in store for a bit of luxe treatment as they were off to the Benefit Cosmetics boutique for some spa brow treatment.

The sketch-time & Mood shopping trip revealed each designer’s initial thought process. Sam & Oscar were sort of taking a look back for inspiration. Sam re-discovered his shimmery gray fabric from his winning jumpsuit. Oscar thought to go back to some strong looks for him with capes & coats. Asha seemed to also know exactly what she wanted to do, but Shan was feeling a bit of a struggle right off the bat. However, once he got to Mood, as he was looking thru the fabrics, he seemed to find his way.

So after the shopping trip, the designers were back to the FIDM workroom to continue their 1st day of work, lots of busy busy bees! But there were more than just the 4 finalists quickly working away; they were joined by some helper bees — a few of the eliminated designers. It seemed as if maybe each finalist got to pick their helper because the pairs weren’t made based off of the mentor teams. Natalia did assist Oscar and Michelle helped Asha, but it was Anya’s designer Blake who came to Sam’s aide, while Nick’s designer Stephanie was at Shan’s side. I have to say, Shan & Stephanie was the most odd pairing, but if that is who he wanted, who am I to question it!

                                       

Day 2 started off with a nice surprise — each of the finalists’ families came in for a little visit! But because this was only a 3-day challenge the designers were back to work and it was time to meet one-on-one with their mentor(s). Mondo & Tim wanted Asha to keep an eye out for her looks being too costume-y and to keep an editing eye. Anya & Tim similarly told Shan the same thing — edit, edit, edit! Mondo and Tim were split with their thoughts when speaking to Sam. Mondo thought it was a little too “Legend of Zelda.” But Tim quickly piped in and told Sam to defend his work, which he did. Tim also mentioned that he was a fan. And finally, Tim’s talk with Oscar was basically over his decision to showcase a couple of jacket looks that the judges had already seen — so proceed with caution!

The day of the runway was quickly approaching as day 3’s work consisted of model fittings & final touches. I’m sure all of the designers thought the day of the final runway came much too quickly! But they were soon off to the official locale for the runway show — the LA Theater. There were 2 guest judges in tow that joined Jen, Rachel, & Zanna — PR host & judge Heidi Klum & talented actor Neil Patrick Harris. I was late in watching the finale, but of course I had heard in advance who won. As I saw each collection come out I definitely thought the deliberations were tough on this one. I’m happy with the winner, but had Oscar not won I was very much ecstatic that Sam would have been next in line. But first, let’s take a look at the 4th place finalist — Shan. (The order of the photos is the order in which I like the looks! & This is for all of the designers!)

Shan’s collection was his interpretation of hard & soft — taking soft fabrics and giving them a hardened touch. I did have a few pieces in this collection which I loved. I saw some great work with his signature jackets. So I’m not sure if I agree with Jen in Shan needing to show his work with graphic prints. But I certainly saw what the other judges were mentioning in maybe a little bit of a lack of harmony or cohesion within the collection. I actually thought Shan should have placed 3rd, but the judges and I were clearly not on the same page on this one!

I loved this red jumpsuit and I hope I could pull it off, and would certainly try. The lace detailing in the back was stunning and I think the side cutouts into a back cutout were just right!

SHOUT-OUT to Benefit Cosmetics for the brown smoky & light pink coloring for the lips — ALL MODELS!

I think the judges mentioned there was too much going on in this collection and specifically mentioned these tights. But I am a tight girl all the way & certainly a fan of lace so LOVED these tights & want them like right now!

SHOUT – OUT to Blow Pro for the chic loose ponytail

In this look, I was just a fan of the leather jacket. Would I buy it? I’m not sure, but what I liked about it was how different it was since the lace detailing here was literally a part of the back of the jacket.

SHOUT – OUT to Blow Pro for the gorgeous messy/loose up-do

SHOUT – OUT to Francesca’s for all of the strapped heels & in addition here for the little black envelope clutch

Next up, coming in 3rd, was Asha with her collection for “Nefertiti in Harlem”. This was my 4th place finisher and I am still not sure she was deserving of a finale spot, but the judges seemed to be on board with this collection. It’s just not me and for a commercial appeal I’m just not sure these looks would work for many women. And you have to think commercially because none of these looks really are high fashion or couture. With the fabrics chosen I just don’t get a luxe feel. Most of the judges appreciated her creativity but Heidi thought there was a bit too much going on, while Neil was also not a fan. He said it was like a 1920 circus carne couture. I’m not sure what that is, but I thought it was interesting with many of the individual designer critiques how Jen/Zanna/Rachel would seem to be on one page, while Neil/Heidi were on another. So even with Shan, Neil seemed to echo a bit differently than the rest and he liked what he saw.

I remember Asha saying something during the episode about not caring who didn’t like her collection. I’m not sure how a a designer “your not caring” makes any sense?? If you have a client, they are going to want what they want. And if they don’t like it, you might not get paid or a repeat of business. And then just on a mass commercial side, you will need people to like your work. If not, they won’t buy it and then that limits your success as a designer. For me, this just all means Asha was clearly designing for a small handful of people and I think she should have broadened her horizons for this finale.

I did actually like this gold dress, but that was about it. I know Oscar made a few repeat looks, but I thought this look was similar to Asha’s quick fix challenge. And I actually think this was a lot better than that one so I wish she had thought of this before.

SHOUT – OUT to Francesca’s for the black sandal heels

SHOUT – OUT TO Francesca’s for the nude sandal heels

SHOUT-OUT to BlowPro for the curly side up-do

So as already mentioned, Sam came in 2nd. He was so close & I am very proud of his growth on UTG, but always remaining true to his aesthetic and voice. These looks, Sam’s final collection was what he calls “Hipster Nonsense” — showing his growth and beauty coming from the inside. I thought he did an astounding job — the looks were fresh, fun, chic, and very creative. They certainly fit Sam’s girl with an easy breezy vibe. I think Sam also designs with a certain woman in mind, but the difference with him versus Asha is that many other women could still make these looks work!

The judges all seemed to be fans! But again, the Jen/Rachel/Zanna trio seemed to have competing thoughts with that of Neil, who thought this was weirdly safe? If you have to pick a criticism here, fine, go with the one the judges gave — is this safe? Could Sam design on a more higher end level, more couture?? I think he could and I would love to see Sam’s interp for that, but for this challenge, remembering it was to show your point of view as a designer, Sam hit the nail on the head!

Love this neon printed asymmetrical maxi, definitely my fave! It has such an effortless vibe!

The judges thought this look was simple, but I say it’s basic — minimalism at its best. Sam is about bells & whistles with his designs so this is another homerun look for me!

SHOUT – OUTS TO Francesca’s for the open-toed black booties; & also Benefit Cosmetics for the clean & fresh beauty looks — nude lips, basic eye appliques

SHOUT – OUT to BlowPro for the many models sporting long luscious wavy locks!

And finally, we come to the winner — OSCAR!! CONGRATS!! It’s hard to not be impressed with this collection. I will agree with the judges in the concern for having seen 2 of the coats. But for me, it’s selfish reasoning in that I just want to see more of Oscar & as much as I can! But I think there was some variation to the coats and Oscar still was able to re-create perfection. And I also love that Oscar didn’t just send down a collection full of gowns because we know he can make them and we know he can make them well. It was nice to see his true versatility. Oscar’s collection is all about women, his love of women and the  need to protect them. Oscar can create & protect me with his designs any time is really all I have to say! His looks just have such wonderful elements — even the tiniest details are so stunning. His creations are high-end, high fashion, and very luxe.

But really the only criticism here was the repetition in the collection. The judges couldn’t think of much else and it really was Oscar & Sam who matched the challenge the best — showing off their POVs as designers. And I think in choosing between the 2, the judges just went with more of a wow factor in that of such high-end pieces coming down the runway versus those that would sell perhaps a bit easier on the commercial level. This is not the 1st time this has happened in PR history! But congrats again to both guys; they are both winners in my book!

SHOUT – OUT to Francesca’s for the black sandal heels, golden earrings

This flowing purple gown is AMAZING!! Using such a deep purple is bold and statement-making and I love it! Red carpet worthy for sure — Emmy’s, Grammy’s, etc.

SHOUT – OUTS to BlowPro for the models’ long wavy locks & Benefit Cosmetics for the beauty looks of a lighter brown smoky eye & nude lip

SHOUT – OUT TO Francesca’s  for the black platform strapped heels

Until PR starts again, tata!!

 

 

Best Dressed List — X’s Two!!

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That’s right! This is a best dressed list for 2 recent award shows/red carpets. First up, the 2014 ACM Awards (brought to you by MGM Grand), which celebrates the year’s most talented country stars.

                       

TAYLOR SWIFT — Taylor definitely switched it up for this red carpet look. So rather than a sparkling mini or a fitted gown, she changed up her signature style for this daring & sexy 2-piece look from J. Mendel — a white crop top with neckline cutouts & a long black skirt with a thigh-high slit. Paired with this look are sandal heels, “Trikini”, by Casadei, a black M2MAlletier clutch, a Jennifer Fisher gold initial ring, & several jewelry pieces by Marina B (large ring, gold bracelet, & dangling earrings with an emerald stone).

                                                            MIRANDA LAMBERT

Miranda had a few looks for the evening, but for me, her red carpet arrival look was the standout of the evening. This look was a signature gold fitted mermaid gown by Randi Rahm, which is also adorned with hand-beaded Swarovksi crystals. She paired with the look some very luxe jewelry pieces, including dangling silver hoops by Kimberly McDonald.

                                                                                

                                              KIMBERLY PERRY

Kimberly is always a standout for my best dressed lists. And this detailed black & fitted floor-length gown with a sheer effect certainly is to be included on this list. This dress is by Georges Hobeika. She’s paired with the look a matching little black clutch.

                                                  NATALIE STOVALL

It happens all the time, a newbie for my best dressed lists and sadly, no designer information to share. But that doesn’t not mean this country cutie, Natalie, is not to be included. She looks minimally chic in this fitted asymmetrical black gown. She’s also rightly added some sparkle to complete her look with a diamond ring, bracelet, and earrings.

                            

DANIELLE BRADBERY — I almost couldn’t find any designer information for Danielle’s dazzling look, but thanks to Twitter, I got it covered! This stunning long-sleeved look is from none other than Jovani, which was actually my guess. The matching nature-inspired jewelry is from Sarah Richey jewelry. Her stylist for the overall look was Amber Lehman. And finally, her makeup & hair extraordinaire was Tarryn Feldman. GREAT JOB ALL!

KELLIE PICKLER —  Kellie is definitely embodying a princess in this flowing lavender look, with a train, which is by Romona Keveza. To help give it that extra touch of sparkle, she has added a Swarovski crystal belt.

                         CASSADEE POPE

I love that Cassadee went for this elegant, yet chic red gown by Maria Lucia Hohan, which is complete with sheer side cutouts. It’s a minimalist look, but beautiful nonetheless! She tweeted this was her dream red gown and I agree, I think she looks like a dream and I’m happy for her dream come true!

                                                                                  

CHRIS O’DONNELL — So not sure why Chris is at the ACMs, but hey, at least if you are going to go, you might as well look great. And Chris indeed does in head to toe John Varvatos.

The 2nd listing for this best dressed posting is the 2014 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards — check it out & ENJOY!

                ARIANA GRANDE

Ariana looks fun & flirty chic in this mango mini by Aiisha Ramadan. She is also sporting a white Chanel clutch, which is decorated with various Nick cartoon characters.

KIRA KOSARIN — Kira is a newbie for my lists, but I gladly welcome her and bold popping colors looks such as this royal blue # by Peggy Hartanto. She also clearly knows style as she has paired with this look open-toed golden Gucci heels.

                                                                   

BELLA THORNE — I am in love with Bella’s forest green Valentino romper; it looks effortlessly chic, while also looking super comfy! She too has paired her look with some golden accessories, in that of a gold Christian Louboutin heels, Dana Rebecca earrings, & a whole host of rings & bracelets — Graziela Gems, EF Collection, XIV Karats, & Le Vian.

GENEVIEVE HANNELIUS — And last but not least, this Jr cutie, G., who is certainly having some fun with her red carpet frock — it’s an AQ/AQ romper with a poppin pink belt. Her various bold & silver jewelry accessories are from Urban Outfitters. And finally, her comfy black sandals are by Enzo Angiolini.

UTG Designers Take on Superheroes for their Inspirations

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In a world where Superhero movies are all the rage — Spiderman, Batman/Superman collabs, Avengers and the like — it should come as no surprise that Under the Gunn would also want to make use of this popular trend. So this week the designers met up with Tim Gunn at Meltdown Comics in L.A. to learn more about their Superhero challenge. Cort Lane, the VP of Animation & Development for Marvel Television, also joined Tim this week to help deliver the challenge instructions.

This week, the designers were asked to create a look inspired by a Marvel comic superhero. Big warning — the look was not to end up being a costume! Sam’s Superhero choice was what he called “a rebellious, wise-ass”, Hawkeye. Shan went for a female Superhero, Captain Marvel. Asha selected the 1st black Superhero, Falcon. And finally, Oscar went for Gamora. With that, the designers were off to Mood with a $250 budget to start this epic 2-day challenge.

You could tell the tensions were high this week. Most of the designers were contemplating taking risks that would hopefully payoff into big rewards — getting them into the finale. I say risks are important, but these risks should also be calculated, as in make sure you can execute your risk. For example, Oscar wanting to do a pant and not a gown, it makes sense and it’s something I know he can do. I was a bit more concerned though for Asha, who was going to drape pants, which she had never done and was going to work with chiffon, a fabric she had never worked with either. We will see later if these risks paid off?

Sam’s impact with this week’s challenge was a bit more deep than the traditional worry & concern over what to make. His superhero selection, really getting into the superhero backstory, brought out some unknown events for Sam’s own backstory. He discussed some tough moments of bullying with Mondo. He later shared some even tougher moments and it was then no surprise why he was so down this week. Mondo had a similar moment during his PR season so it was great for Sam to have him right by his side to help pull him out of this moment of despair. I applaud Sam for his courage and bravery this week in sharing his story.

Nick & Anya had the most to lose this week because if Oscar or Shan were eliminated, they would be as well. But I think they both mentors had a relative amount of confidence and trust in their designers. Mondo on the other hand I think knew his 2 designers were most at risk this week and he was right on top of them, doing what he could to ensure they both made it to the finale. And it seemed as if that strategy paid off, anti-climatically, since no designers were eliminated this week. That’s right, all 4 moved onto the finale, but what did the judges have to say about the work this week, including guest judge actress Jaimie Alexander, who was recently in the Superhero flick Thor.

 

First up, Oscar! Oscar has had so many shining moments this season, many wins and I’m not sure he was ever in the bottom?? I would have been utterly shocked if he were to have not made the finale. And with this super-dramatic look coming down the runway, I think the judges had no choice but to have him as part of the finale. They even said during deliberations it was clear, Oscar & Shan were in. This look had superhero written all over it. It was a bit more avant garde than the traditional everyday womenswear attire, but it was certainly wearable. I think Rachel Roy said something about not seeing this at her office, well Duh! Not every look created on this show is going to be a piece for work!

A couple of judges definitely caught a costume-vibe, but the others I think just got it! This look is high fashion and it’s what Oscar does and is. He is not creating looks that will get lost in a woman’s closet as she figures out what to wear to work each day. Oscar creates looks that make a woman feel special, that can give her a sense of adventure. I’m so happy Oscar is in the finale and it is well deserved!

SHOUT-OUTS to BlowPro for the luscious golden curls, Benefit Cosmetics for dramatic beauty look complete w/ bold red lip, & Francesca’s for the black platforms.

Shan was the other designer that this week the judges were all ready to send to the finale. And I have to agree with his distressed, yet quite chic look for this week, this was another deserving finale spot. The Superhero inspiration with this piece wasn’t literal, but Shan took notice of the worn aspect of Captain Marvel, the “just coming from battle” vibe. He wanted his look to embody this and from that, I can see the inspiration. It was also great that he again made use of a multi-functional look and created a skirt where the tethered/fringed elements could easily be slipped off, very nice!

Shan’s look had a warrior aspect to it and it evoked strength, all of which the judges saw. I’m not sure they had any criticisms so Shan won’t have much to take with him for the finale, but I’m sure he will do just fine. SHOUT-OUT to BlowPro for the super-high chic ponytail.

The big debate on the final spot was between Asha & Sam. I don’t think Asha’s look was totally undeserving this week of any consideration; it wasn’t her worst of looks during this competition. But, it was missing a Wow factor moment for me. With an underlying Superhero inspiration, I know costume was not the goal, but I would expect some surprise factor. Mondo called this a quiet moment, but the last challenge is really not the time for quiet, it should be loud, screaming “I should be in the finale!!”

There was ease & elegance to the flowing look though so it was nice to see a fully constructed piece from Asha this week. SHOUT-OUTS to Francesca’s for the golden triangle earrings & Benefit Cosmetics for the elegant beauty look.

Sam was again part of the “final spot for the finale” debate. If sending all 4 meant Sam gets to go though, then I’m totally fine with all 4 going. The judges seemed split on who to send and I think the finale would have not been the same without Sam. I’m still not sure how much work this meant the judges did this season — clearly making no decisions this week and often letting a mentor make the final call — but again, I’m happy for Sam.

Sam’s look kind of had me puzzled this week, but not in a bad way. I was searching for this superhero inspiration; it definitely had me thinking. I think Sam drew from story of Hawkeye this week, not the Superhero himself, the costume and attributes. He spoke of rebellion and for me, this was definitely outside the Superhero box, but what was most important was that it was still Sam. Sam has a clear vision for his brand and there are so many women who are ready to wear his clothes. I’m glad we have gotten to see him blossom on Under the Gunn. I can’t wait to see what he creates for the finale!