WOW! Did the Kardashians Actually Make the Right Business Move??

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I have to say the answer is surprisingly yes, being that the final, long awaited settlement was finally filed regarding the last of the Kardashians’ cosmetics brand’s legal disputes. The Kardashians’ cosmetics brand, originally “KHROMA”, now “KARDASHIAN BEAUTY”, has certainly faced its fair share of legal challenges since launching in November 2012, with two separate lawsuits quickly initiated. Fashion Nexus has been there every step of the way with any major updates such as the grant of a preliminary injunction and then with the Kardashians’ brand’s name change for their mark.

The first legal challenge to the KHROMA mark came from CHROMA, a Beverly Hills make-up studio. A settlement for that action was filed on November 14^th, 2013. I was surprised this suit was settled first being that an injunction was not issued regarding this suit. But finally, the second settlement came in on April 18^th, which was between Boldface (the company who holds the rights to the Kardashians’ name and likenesses) and KROMA, the cosmetics line/brand owned by Lee Tillett. The Notice of Settlement states that it would be for the entire action and provided for “certain actions to be taken over a period of time.” The parties requested a stay for the entire case until February 15, 2015, at which point a stipulation for dismissal would be filed.

                                                                                      

The court questioned nothing except for why it would take so long to file a stipulation for dismissal. The court found a stay to be unnecessary “given the Court retains jurisdiction to enforce the settlement.” The parties were ordered to file a stipulation for dismissal no later than May 23^rd, which was later extended to June 2^nd.

The Daily Mail reported that the sisters attempted to distance themselves from this case, “asking the judge to dismiss them from the suit as they claimed they were not involved in the running of Boldface.” I am unable to find any such request in the case’s docket history. But the thought isn’t so shocking when you consider just how many losses the Kardashians experienced during the pendency of this case.

A preliminary injunction was granted in early 2013. The Kardashian team then sought a stay with the 9^th Circuit Court of Appeals in order to reverse the grant of injunctive relief, but on May 31, 2013 the motion was denied. The Court of Appeals agreed with the lower district court holding that the 4-factor test for a preliminary injunction was satisfied – (1) a likelihood of success on the merits; (2) irreparable harm to Tillett; (3) a balance of equities were not in favor of Boldface; and (4) no best interest of the public.

A permanent injunction was then granted on August 13, 2013. This grant was probably the clearest sign that Tillett was likely to win her case. In fact, it was specifically one of the factors she had to prove in order to receive injunctive relief! But rather than settle, the Kardashians moved for summary judgment on November 26^th, 2013. But I’m guessing after yet another strike against Boldface came to surface that finally the right move to settle came to fruition.

On November 27^th, 2013, Tillett and Boldface filed a “Report to Court”, which was made to bring to the court’s attention inadvertent violations of the injunction. Boldface’s report attempted to explain how over 3000 boxes of KHROMA branded products were shipped after the effective date of the injunction. On March 20^th, 2014, the Court held Boldface in civil contempt for “failure to comply with the injunction” with regard to certain shipments. I’m sure if the Kardashians wished to distance themselves, it was likely regarding this huge oversight! But as far as being dismissed from the case entirely, this was highly unlikely since the question was never about how Boldface ran their business, but about trademark infringement over the use of the KHROMA mark.

                                       

While it’s likely the Kardashians were not directly involved with the violation to the injunction, it would not be enough to dismiss them from this case. They made the decision to use this mark and embark upon this long battle with Tillett. The decision to fight versus settling occurred for over 2 years. It’s very unlikely the Kardashians or their legal team didn’t have a say-so with regard to the legal moves for this case. In fact, I’m almost 100% positive their agreement with Boldface would have established their retaining of rights when it came to issues of infringement or other legal disputes. This is quite standard for licensing agreements.

I will go ahead and end on that note. It appears this case is finally coming to a close so I guess so too should my rant/soapbox! I’ve always called that a settlement should happen here and I’m happy to report now that it has!

Turner & Tatler — Vintage Jewelry for Modern Times

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One of the best things about having my fashion blog, and really about being in NYC, is you never know what each day might bring. Everyday is like a surprise, where hidden treasures can be easily found. Relating this back to fashion, take for example an ordinary fashion outing for my fashion blog, Fashion Nexus. I am out at a press preview for a fave jewelry brand of mine, Ted Rossi, where lo and behold I stumble upon another astounding jewelry brand — Turner & Tatler.

I liken Turner & Tatler to a hidden treasure because it is such a unique brand, where each piece is truly special and has its own piece of history. It’s just like the brand’s owner, creator, and founder, Cindy Chaplin, says, the pieces are “modern renditions made from classic pieces of an earlier day…… the antiques of tomorrow.” Cindy has always had a love for jewelry, dating back to fond memories of shopping trips with her mother to the heart of the jewelry district in NYC — 47th Street. So how did a love of jewelry, with an interest in its history, lead to the inception of Turner & Tatler?

It is not a huge surprise. And the instant you meet Cindy and begin discussing her work, you can see the passion, drive, and fondness in her eyes. It’s very encouraging and inspirational to see a hard working woman is making the most and finding success with something she holds so dear to her heart. Cindy started the brand in 2012. She found an unfulfilled market for antique jewelry that was being admired, yet not worn. The premise behind Turner & Tatler is that for each piece, she takes other pieces apart and puts them back into a more useable form. A few examples — an Edwardian belt buckle as a diamond necklace, or a Victorian star brooch floating on a neck chain. It’s yesterday’s jewelry fashioned for today. But each piece still retains its vintage appeal, while still portraying a modern or fresh feel.

There is no added manufacturing. And there are also a wide range of pieces from which to choose — bracelets, chains, charms, earrings, necklaces, and rings. The collection can be seen in London at Liberty of London (purchase available thru Kojis Jewelry) and also at the Harborview Center for Antiques in Connecticut. There are a few ways as of now to make purchases such as visiting a private trunk show or contacting Cindy directly @ cindy@turnerandtatler.com or 914-329-9790.

I have thoroughly perused the Turner & Tatler site, so fun, & I encourage all of my readers to do the same! Here are just a few of my fave pieces within each product category —

RINGS

    SAPPHIRE & DIAMOND WHITE GOLD FLOWER

VINTAGE GREEN ENAMEL BUCKLE RING                   

In order — Tourmaline & Diamond ring; Antique White Gold Ring w/ Synthetic Ruby; Double Snake Head ring; & Black Opal & Diamond ring in White Gold

BRACELETS

        FANCY LINK SLIDE BRACELET IN YELLOW GOLD

LUCKY CHARMS BRACELET                                                          

click each to enlarge

In order — Mesh Buckle Bracelet in Yellow Gold; Opal Bangle; Coral Yellow Gold & Diamond Bracelet; & Snake Wrap Bracelet

                                      SHIPS AHOY BRACELET

PEARL & DIAMOND BRACELET SET IN PLATINUM             

CHARMS

In order — Rotary Telephone; Purse, Teapot, & Skeleton Keys — Charms

In order — Studded Padlock, Fox Drop, Filigree Gold Ball Drop, & Rock Crystal Orb Locket

EARRINGS

In order — Triple Drop Amethyst Earrings; Amethyst Hexagonal Earrings; Citrine Drop Earrings; & Yellow Gold Tassel Earrings

In order — Pearl & Diamond Drop Earrings; Moonstone Drop Earrings; Peridot & Diamond Drop Earrings; Turquoise & Diamond Earrings

NECKLACES

                                               CLOVER NECKLACE

PAINTED PORCELAIN NECKLACE                                     

click each to enlarge

In order — Triple Star Floating necklace; Bohemian Garnet Cluster necklace; Diamond Scalloped necklace; & Arrow necklace in Yellow Gold

                             DOUBLE DIAMOND DROP NECKLACE

SAPPHIRE BOW DROP NECKLACE                                       

CHAINS

                   LOVE UNDER LOCK & KEY CHAIN

HONEYCOMB SNOWFLAKE ON A CHAIN                           

                                   BUTTON HOLE WATCH & CHAIN

AMETHYST GOLD & PEARL CHAIN                                           

I can’t wait to see more from this phenomenally unique vintage jewelry brand in the future!! Good luck to Turner & Tatler!

Best Looks — BMA’s 2014 & More!

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Over this past week there have been a lot of great looks to showcase and discuss. 1st up, the 2014 Billboard Music Awards!!

                                                    DANICA MCKELLAR

Very odd that I still have no clue who Danica is wearing, but I don’t care because she is definitely topping my best dressed list! She looks stunning and like a knockout in this tangerine dress with cutouts. I do however know about her accessories — Open Hearts jewelry by Jane Seymour and a Swarovski clutch!

 

JORDIN SPARKS — Jordin looks smokin’ in this black sparkling mini by Michael Costello. She is coordinated well from head to toe thanks to some lovely accessories — Stuart Weitzman “The Nudist” heels, an orange Beirn clutch, and orange Neil Lane jewelry. The orange is to show support for a loved one who recently lost a battle with lung cancer — #OrangeforWendy.

                                                                                                    

                                       MIRANDA LAMBERT

This dress reminded me a bit of a major fashion dual between Ashley Tisdale & Britney Spears a couple of years back. It was over a similar Brian Lichtenberg dress (see below!), but you know, Miranda still rocks the look. However, her hot pink mini with a sheer mesh insert at the neckline is by Georges Hobeika.

                                    KE$HA

This look could be construed as a bit too fancy for the Billboard’s red carpet, but ultimately, Ke$sha still looks like a goddess. And you know what, she is celebrating quite a bit so why not go all it out — a comeback, new show Rising Star, and being at the Billboard Awards! She is wearing a strapless mermaid silhouette dress, in black and soft pink, which is by Ines Di Santo.

See below, closer up pics, of Ke$sha’s chic accessories — a Dionea Orcini ring, an a Carbon & Hyde ear cuff and ring.

J. LO — I wasn’t a fan of J. Lo’s red carpet look and would have much rather seen her in this press room look. She looks phenomenal in this fitted, long-sleeved white Sen Couture dress.

                                                          SHAKIRA

Shakira is walking on the sexy side with her cobalt bodycon illusion dress by Julien Macdonald. She kept it simple though with accessories — Dionea Orcini rings.

ROCSI DIAZ — Rocsi knocks it out of the park with this black Cushnie et Ochs dress with side cutouts. She is also donning some lovely golden jewelry from both XIV Karats & Jennifer Fisher jewelry — earrings, rings, bracelet, an a cuff.

These next few looks are from the Royal Marsden Gala at the Windsor Castle and hosted by Ralph Lauren.

                                                        CATE BLANCHETT

Cate looks angelic, heavenly, and just plain exquisite in this ivory silk Cady Ralph Lauren gown. Paired with this look are some statement-making jewelry, which is also by Ralph Lauren.

        CARA DELEVINGNE

Cara looks classic and glam in this black beaded Ralph Lauren halter gown. This gown has it all — classic fit & silhouette, some sparkle, & more — and Cara pulls it all off quite well.

                        EMMA WATSON

Emma is somehow pulling of chic, casual, an elegance, all wrapped up into one amazing look. This is simplistic minimalism at its best! She is wearing all Ralph Lauren — silver silk jersey skirt and a crisp white button down shirt. Coordinating also with the silver tones are Emma’s accessories — Roger Vivier clutch, Repossi ear cuffs, Monica Vinader ring, and an ear cover and necklace by Ana Khouri.

And even though I did an entire post dedicated to looks from the Cannes Film Festival, here are a few more I found to include!

ROSIE HUNTINGTON-WHITELEY — Rosie looks quite elegant in this mint green strapless gown by Gucci, complete with a train and all! She actually kind of looks like a doll, perfection! I love so much about this dress, the color, the shimmer, the belted fit, but also it’s ability to still be loose and free flowing.

Her wonderful pieces of diamond jewelry are from De Grisgogono.

    RYAN GOSLING

Ryan looks quite dapper in his non-traditional black Gucci tuxe — love the modern twist on the suit sans tie!

                               EVA LONGORIA

I already did one Cannes Best Dressed list and I just had to include a 3rd look from Eva. This time she is wearing a knee-length Max Mara dress in radiant orchid. And I believe since she is the official L’Oreal Paris ambassador, that for all of her looks, her hair & make-up, are by L’Oreal.

 

2014 Cannes Film Festival — Top Looks

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The Cannes Film Festival has been in full force for days now. Check out my picks for the best looks, enjoy!

                                                   BLAKE LIVELY

Blake is making yet another appearance on one of my best dressed lists! At the Cannes, for the premier of Mr. Turner, he looked literally iridescent in this lace iridescent Chanel Couture creation. And in true matching accessory fashion, she is wearing shimmering white heels by Sophia Webster.

Great angle for a shot of the stunning pieces of Lorraine Schwartz jewelry Blake is donning, such as these flower-shaped earrings!

                                                CATE BLANCHETT

Cate makes an odd combination of angelic and Greek goddess work and she does so in this gray Valentino gown with silver embroidery, feathered collar, and capped sleeves. I’m assuming her few pieces of jewelry are by Chopard as she was attending and presenting at the Chopard Trophy event.

Cate is making high fashion marks all over the place while attending the Cannes festival so I had to showcase another look of hers for my best dressed list. While attending the Vanity Fair & Armani party she again looked quite angelic and sweet in this golden Giorgio Armani Prive dress with lace and embroidery details.

                           PAZ VEGA

Ankle-cut dresses seem to be quite the tend on the Cannes red carpet and Paz’s embellished look certainly doesn’t disappoint. She looks slim, trim, & fit in this Elie Saab (part of the Spring 2014 collection) midi dress with beading and floral detailing at the bodice. She accessorized her look with Chopard diamonds and nude Christian Louboutin pumps.

Paz, like Cate, is quite deserving of a 2nd nod on my best dressed list. While at the Cannes Festival, stars are able to mix it up fashion-wise; they can go chic and minimal for their day looks, and then drastically switch it up for the night’s red carpet by going full on glam. Paz has done just that and so for her day look she rocks a simplistically minimalistic navy Zuhair Murad dress with lace detailing cut-outs down the side. For this look, she accessorized this time with magenta Christian Louboutins and fine Chanel jewelry.

                                                              JANE FONDA

Fierce and on fire with a bold red ensemble is Jane, wearing a beaded Elie Saab look with a cinched waist, sheer sleeves, and decolletage. And her bold red choices continue with her accessories — rubellite drop earrings from Chopard’s Temptations Collection, red Jimmy Choo shoes, and a red & black Gucci clutch.

                             KENDALL JENNER

Kendall looks sleek, sophisticated, and seriously stylish in this black and white Chanel piece, which also boasts the ever-popular ankle-cut trend for the Cannes red carpet, but also 4 straps, and a printed raw-edged bodice. She paired with her look black Stuart Weitzman heels and a great deal of diamond Chopard jewelry — earrings, rings, and a cuff.

EVA LONGORIA — Eva is another lovely lady gracing my best dressed list twice for the Cannes Festival. For her 1st look, she is wearing an elegant fitted white Gabriela Cadena gown, with a train.

Just for a closer look, take a glance at Eva’s exquisite choices for jewelry all from Damiani.

For Eva’s 2nd look, she went very lingerie-esque with a pale peach custom gown, again from Gabriela Cadena. This time though, she donned earrings from Martin Katz.

                  HONORABLE MENTION — ELIZABETH OLSEN

This is not the Cannes or the Billboards, but Elizabeth just looked too amazing in this crystal-embellished cascading blue gown by Elie Saab and from the designer’s Fall 2013 collection. Coordinated quite well with her look are Christian Louboutin navy sandal heels and diamond Piaget drop earrings.

Best Looks for Events All Around!

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This Best Dressed List is a bit different than my norm. I have several fave looks from the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner to go over, but also from the iHeart Radio Awards, GLAAD Media Awards, ballet openings, Breast Cancer Foundation gala, and a very special shout-out to Candace Cameron Bure, whose looks lately have really been catching my eye! So as always, enjoy!

First up — WHCA!!

                                 SOFIA VERGARA

It’s hard to make va-va-va-voom work at such an event as the WHCA, but Sofia pulls it off — sexiness, but still classy. How do you ask? She stuns in this 2-tone strapless Romona Keveza gown featuring a gold asymmetrical bodice and white skirt. And in keeping with a more reserved concept for her look, Sofia tops it all off with some elegant Lorraine Schwartz jewels.

                                                 JULIANNA MARGULIES

Julianna looks petite, fit, and trim, all thanks to her vintage black choice for the evening, Jean Desses! I think it’s remarkable how great she looks in this vintage number, and it’s just as comparable to the current fashion choices by her peers at the same event!

                                                           KATIE LOWES

Red on red, yup, this works for Katie. I think she looks bold and fiercely on fire in this fitted red strapless Mason by Michelle Mason dress. Katie has also picked just the right accessories — a tiny silver Edie Parker clutch and silver jewelry pieces, earrings and a ring, by Vhernier. Great work to Katie and her talented stylist Laura Spinella.

KIMBERLY WILLIAMS-PAISLEY — Black and white gowns were all the rage at the Met Gala, but it seems Kimberly was already on that bandwagon as this WHCA dinner came 1st! She looks exquisite in this fitted floor-length gown by Theia.

                                                    TAYLOR SCHILLING

Taylor’s minimalistic long-sleeved, navy blue Zuhair Murad gown is just full of great details — slight slit, sheer long sleeves, and lace cut-outs at the waist. This was a great pick for the evening’s momentous dinner. She shouldn’t be feeling too blue since she looks amazing with all of her various shades of blue — blue Rauwolf clutch and Marina B. jewels.

                                                 JESSICA SIMPSON

This is a dress you either love or hate; it works or it doesn’t work? For me I love it and it works. I think Jessica pulls it off very well in the discrete black and white tones for such a bold floral print as is seen in this strapless Carolina Herrera gown.

I love gowns that photograph well from all angles, but it’s here that you can better see Jessica’s lovely Neil Lane pieces — emerald earrings and a bracelet.

Jessica’s fiance Eric Johnson also looks great and quite fitting right by her side in his black Ralph Lauren tuxe.

                                                      ANNE V.

This towering supermodel is certainly working that top model status and showing off her keen fashion sense in this white floor-length gown by Kaufmanfranco with lots of cutout and strap details. The whole vibe is chic minimalism, which I love, and this goes right down to the fitting accessories — a Calvin Klein clutch, gold J.Crew heels, and jewelry from both Campbell (Michelle Mason) & Jennifer Fisher.

ARMIE HAMMER & ELIZABETH CHAMBERS — These two are my stunning duo for the evening! Elizabeth looks like sheer perfection in this fitted black gown by Versace. The great style doesn’t stop there! Elizabeth is donning some statement-making jewelry by David Webb. Chris Naselli also did a lovely job styling her hair.

DARREN CRISS — It’s always fun and a must to include a handsomely and well dressed gentleman on my Best Dressed lists. And for this one, Darren takes home that prize as he looks quite dapper in his black Brooks Brothers tuxe.

SPECIAL SHOUT-OUT FOR SOME RECENT GREAT LOOKS — CANDACE CAMERON BURE!!

Candice looks so amazing and sexy in this fitted white cocktail dress with a partially sheer skirt. @ The Race to Erase Event

Just stunning in this LBD, while hanging out at Wango Tango!

Might as well include Maria Menounos here too, but they both look great in this Bailey 44 “Defender” dress!

Honorable Mention — Best Look — GLAAD Media Awards

                                                   EMMY ROSSUM

Emmy is working this fun and sassy fit & flare Elie Saab dress, raspberry red from head to toe! Actually it’s not just the color she’s dressed in from H2T, it’s also all Elie Saab — sandal heels and floral clutch too! Her statement-making earrings however are courtesy of House of Lavande Vintage Jewels.

Honorable Mention — Best Looks — iHeart Radio Awards

                                                             

SELENA GOMEZ — Selena looks endearing and charming in this lovely maroon 2-piece frock by Cuchnie et Ochs, complete with a keyhole cutout. The look is paired perfectly with a pair of nude Jimmy Choo heels. Simply lovely for the evening, including her rings by Porter Lyons & Dana Rebecca Designs.

LUKE BRYAN & WIFE CAROLINE BOYER —Another fashion power duo for my best dressed list and this is not the 1st time I’ve included them! Why am I so excited this time?!? I finally know who Caroline is wearing!! She is wearing a chic white jumpsuit by Tamara Mellon.

Honorable Mention — Best Look — NYC Ballet Gala & American Ballet Theater Gala

                                        KRISTEN BELL

I had to include Kristen on this Best Dressed list, hard not to when someone looks as fab as she does! This fitted black gown with white beaded details is a stunning piece for Kristen and as part of Zuhair Murad’s collection.

SELENA GOMEZ — Selena is doing so well fashion-wise, she gets 2 nods from me this week! She is rocking this knee-length black Lanvin dress, but don’t let the knee-length part fool you! This dress certainly has some side surprises! She kept the over the top dramatics just to the side of the dress and went the discrete route with accessories — some lovely pieces from Lorraine Schwartz.

Honorable Mention — Breast Cancer Foundation Event — Best Look

                                    

ELIZABETH HURLEY — Baby pink often makes me think of bad prom fashion or hideous bridesmaid dresses, but not this gorgeous soft pink hued flowing Versace collection gown Elizabeth is donning. This is clearly top-notch elegance and to really top it all off with such class are some exquisite jewelry pieces by Chopard.

 

Met Gala aka Met Ball 2014 — Best Looks

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Each year there is a widely known fundraising gala that is put on for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute — Costume Institute Gala aka Met Gala aka Met Ball. There are many names, but no matter which you choose, it doesn’t take away from the amazing looks that grace the gala’s red carpet & event each year. Many fashionistas, fashion bloggers, and those in the fashion industry eagerly wait to see red carpet looks from major award shows — Oscars, Grammys Emmys. But the Met Gala red carpet is also on this must-see list! I hereby dub it Fashion Prom and I’m very excited to put together my 1st best dressed list ever for this event! It’s been a few days since these stars walked the red carpet, but hey, I go as fast as I can — law school finals must come first!

So the opening exhibit for this year was “Charles James: Beyond Fashion.” Charles James was a major fashion designer in the 1950s; he is widely known for being America’s first couturier. He is all about old school glamor and fitting in with that genre, this year’s theme for the Met Gala was “White Tie & Diamonds.” As with any best dressed piece there are lots of images to look thru. As I was picking my faves I found myself picking between 2 extremes — all out/full on glam (going big!!) to a more reserved look, but still quite fitting to the theme of old-school/Hollywood glam. So my list is full of stand-out drama, but also quieter looks that are nonetheless elegant in their simplicity. Enjoy!

                         KAROLINA KURKOVA

This look is bold, dramatic, and over-the-top, which I mean in a good way! This strapless navy sculptural Marchesa gown is just the sort of wearable art that I’m sure Charles James strove for when he was designing. The look is simply put, STUNNING — the hand-painted organza floral details to the satin organza material.

Karolina probably didn’t need much to compliment the dress, but I guess she truly went with the mantra — “Go big or go home!” She decided to pair with her gown more than $1 million of Harry Winston diamonds — a 44-carat Guipure diamond necklace, queen diamond rings, & diamond earrings.  (image above from Karolina’s prep time while at The Mark Hotel)

The more subtle, yet still elegant final touches for Karolina were with her choices for a lovely, chic up-do & clean, fresh makeup beauty look — Hair was by Bryce Scarlett & Makeup was by Steffi Willmann.

                                       

SUKI WATERHOUSE — Suki’s look was one of the 1st ones I saw and I immediately fell in love; I knew it would be at the top of my best dressed list! I was instantly mesmerized by this tiered tulle, custom Burberry gown with never-ending layers of silk organza. My hypnosis continued to her wonderful choices for jewelry to finish off her look, pieces by Anita Ko — 18k white gold diamond Fan earringss, Leaf ring, Feather ring, wave ring, and ear cuffs.

                     

BLAKE LIVELY — If I had to pick someone who channeled the old school, Hollywood glam the best, it would have to be Blake. This champagne silk chiffon Gucci Premiere gown with a plunging neckline just had it all to bring back that timeless classiness and glam from the Charles James era. I loved that she went with some color for her jewelry pieces, all from Lorraine Schwartz — ruby swirl drop earrings & diamond rings.

         SARAH JESSICA PARKER

This is a gown so fabulous, yes, I had to share 3 images, showcasing it all from all sides! SJP was the gala co-chair so of course she had to pull out all of the stops & this gorgeous Oscar de la Renta gown with a black velvet bodice and ivory duchess satin skirt certainly met that goal!

The just as amazing accessories for SJP certainly didn’t disappoint either, the many lovely pieces of jewelry by Fred Leighton — 4k 19th century diamond drop earrings, a 19th century diamond & white enamel bracelet, & diamond, pearl circular brooches.

And really, if you are going to walk around with a designer name prominently showcased on your look, it might as well be OSCAR DE LA RENTA!!

                          

ANNA KENDRICK — There was a lot of black & white trending at the Met Gala, as just seen with SJP, but I didn’t mind seeing that repeating trend, especially when it looked so amazing as with Anna’s look. Anna’s black & white number was a silk faille J. Mendel gown with a draped bustier, cummerbund waist, & pleated train. It’s always a plus when a look is completed with just as stunning accessories, again such as with Anna’s choices — her black Rauwolf clutch and statement making diamond Graff necklace and earrings.

The stunning touches didn’t stop just yet though, what about her amazing beauty look — perfect black cat eye, soft light plum lips (Burt’s Bees tinted lip balm and lip gloss), & her modern French twist (use of Herbal Essences hairspray). This was all attributed by makeup stylist Sara Glick & hair extraordinaire Matthew Monzon.

                                                            

AMBER HEARD — I had the pleasure of working with and meeting Amber many years back, probably one of her 1st acting gigs. I am so happy for her success and just to see how her hard work and determination has really paid off. This includes being able to be a knockout on the red carpet as Amber has done with this nude Giambattista Valli Haute Couture embroidered gown. Her beauty look was just as stunning with this sculptured chic updo, created by Peter Butler.

Amber is channeling old-school glam and continues to do so, from head to toe, inclusive of her many Fred Leighton pieces — 19th century diamond pendant earrings, 19th century diamond cluster bracelet, & a pair of early 19th century diamond bracelets.

                             IDINA MENZEL

Black & white was a trend, but there was also quite a few flowing train looks for the Met Gala red carpet, and Idina’s look was certainly deserving a best dressed placement. This white Donna Karan Atelier gown with deconstructed flowers made of sequins, beads, and threadwork was dramatic and statement-making — GREAT PICK IDINA!!

                          

KATE BOSWORTH — Kate was definitely in the glam-zone for the night’s festivities. She looked classic in this salmon Stella McCartney gown with 2 midriff slashes and a back filled with spaghetti straps. It’s hard to not love a look that is so eye-catching, literally all of the details — gold Jimmy Choo Claire clutch and Aquazarra Firenze heels.

Let’s not also forget the glam jewelry to complete her look, pieces from Ana Khouri (Peacock pearl & diamond gold earrings, Stem gold & diamond necklace, and Petter gold and diamond bracelet), Vieri (Lily Love rose gold pink Tourmaline pave diamond ring), Sidney Garber (gold and diamond chain link ring), & Anna Sheffield.

Great work by Kate’s entire team — Peter Gray for hair, Kris Zero — stylist, & Gucci Westman — makeup artist.

           

My best dressed list certainly has some trends, as did the Met Gala red carpet — black and white gowns, and also dresses you have to see from all sides! Hailee’s choice of this Prabal Gurung look with a button detailed back was very much fitting for her & the evening. She looked like a perfectly prim princess! But there was more than just the dress. We can’t forget the satin pink Charlotte Olympia heels & matching onyx and ivory diamond jewelry pieces from Van Cleef and Arpels.

Hailee had a great team to create this magical look — hair stylist Matthew Monzon who created her sleek chignon with use of Herbal Essences; makeup artist Matin Maulawizada, creating a clean nude lip & dramatic eye; & stylist Karla Welch.

                            

                                      

CHRISSY TEIGEN — Chrissy looked quite fit & trim in this custom halter column Ralph Lauren dress, which was covered in Swarovski crystals. Chrissy too was decked out in some major jewels, all by Lorraine Schwartz — all diamond pieces — fish cuff, bead cuff, natural pearl rings, and drop earrings.

                                             

There are a few good men….

                               DAVID BECKHAM

David looked handsome in his white shawl collar tuxedo jacket by Ralph Lauren Black Label, complete with a black bow tie!

JOSHUA JACKSON — Josh looked like a Boss, pun intended since he is wearing an ivory BOSS made to measure tuxedo jacket, which featured a black lapel and matching black tuxedo pants. He also sported a white bow tie, going perfectly with the night’s theme.

                                                     FRANK OCEAN

Frank was a Met Gala performer, wearing a sleek Givenchy Haute Couture tuxe (in white) by Riccardo Tisci iwth a black bow tie. He accessorized with a sparkling pair of Jacob & Co. white diamond studs.