The Best & Worst of the Met Gala
The Met Gala, it’s the who’s who of everything really. Whether you’re an actress, pop star, social queen or just dating someone really rich — everyone who’s anyone is there and flaunting ridiculously dramatic dresses. It’s also one of the most blogged about events in the fashion, even more so than the Oscars where starlets play it rather safe. The Met Gala is the night to let it all go and experiment. The results are often awe-inspiring, or, sadly, just plain awful. Here, we take at look the former and the latter.
The Worst
Kirsten Dunst is a big fan and also close friend of the Rodarte ladies, and we applaud here for supporting friends. But it looks like she should be handing out lollipops to kids after they visit Santa.
Model Anja Rubik barely wears an Anthony Vaccarello dress. The holy-high slit and slippery bandages over her boobs are a desperate cry for attention. Is this night about artistry or is it a singles mixer?
NO, no, no B! We love you, but you look horrendous in this Givenchy mess and a bit too eager to show off our post-baby bod.
The Best
You can always count on Dree to bring it. She looks so casual cool in this Topshop Uniqueness Dress.
Katherine McPhee is a tangerine dream in this Ellie Saab dress that fits her so well.
Yeah sure, we’d probably pick her no matter what she wore, but this Deep green Wes Gordan gown and the bright pink Stella shoes is perfection!
Photos: Sakura Sunday
Sakura Sunday is the centerpiece event of Philly’s own annual Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival. But this year’s day-long event was celebrated against an unseasonably green background instead of Fairmount Park’s pink, fluffy canopy of cherry blossoms. Despite the early heat spell, Japanese dancing, drumming, fashion shows, and vibrant costumes of both guests and performers lit up the park.
The sunny and 80-something degree weather brought out an eclectic crowd of anime lovers, dog owners, and fashionistas–all of which could find activities to their liking. Anime fans were invited to show off their representations of their favorite characters in a Zenkaikon Cosplay Fashion Show, while Harajuku lovers took their designs to the main stage for an eccentric, space-age fashion show. The ASPCA and PAWS were present to host the Prettiest Pet in Pink parade. Asian food vendors lined the park’s oblong fountain-turned-pool.
From Japan themselves, one of the country’s best performing art schools, Tamagawa University, lit up the stage with thundering taiko drumming paired with the graceful dancers flicking fans in dresses that looked like origami. Speaking of origami, local vendors sold Japanese wares, from anime-themed snuggies and beautiful kimonos to wooden sandals and paper kites.
Here’s some highlights from the day’s festivities…
If you missed Sakura Sunday, don’t fret- the festival’s activities are near from over. A few events include a sushi making class Tuesday, April 17, “Kirie” paper-cutting workshop the 18th, amateur Sushi-Making Contest the 19th, and a Samurai sword performance and Kimono dressing demonstration April 21st. Check out a listing of the beautiful photo exhibits and galleries around Fairmount Park that will be up for the remainder of the month here.
–Marissa Oswald
Help A Local Gal Win The ‘Best Summer Job in America’
Right now, thousands of local college students are polishing up their resumes and practicing their interview skills in hopes of landing an awesome internship this summer. Messiah College student, Deborah Tam is one of them.
But Tam isn’t looking for just any internship. Rather, she’s currently competing for the “Best Summer Job in America” with Jack Wills. Only two candidates (one guy and one girl) will be chosen for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend six weeks working with the “Fabulously British” clothing company.
As a Jack Wills “Seasonnaire,” Tam would be an ambassador for the brand, traveling to their stores in resort locations around the U.S., (Martha’s Vineyard, Newport and Southampton) as well as the Jack Wills headquarters in the United Kingdom. The winners will also get $20 thousand in school tuition and the chance to attend the biggest Jack Wills event of the summer, JW Varsity Polo.
Check out Tam’s awesome application video then visit the Jack Wills Facebook page to vote (just click the ‘Best Summer Job in America” link).
The competition ends tomorrow help a Philly girl out and vote now!
You wouldn’t want her stuck pouring coffee all summer would you?
-Michelle Mass
Meryl Streep: The Fresh Air Interview
Talk about inspiring.
On men not living through female characters
“When I made The Devil Wears Prada, it was the first time in my life that a man came up and said, ‘I know how you felt. I have a job like that.’ First time. … For men, the favorite character that I’ve ever played is Linda in The Deer Hunter, without question. The heterosexual men that I’ve spoken to over the years, they say, ‘That’s my favorite thing you’ve ever done.’
Philadelphia Fashion Incubator Announces Its 2012 Designers
For newly graduated designers, the fashion industry is harder to break into the State Dinner, but the Center City Macy’s collaborated with the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator, a non-profit organization designed to help foster creative talent in the city of brotherly love.
In December, the PFI panel began its search for the four greatest fledgling Philly designers to take part in the year long program. Philadelphia University, Moore College of Art and Design, and Drexel nominated their top design alumni for consideration. In addition to the top Philly design schools, the Incubator had a wild card spot open to almost anyone in the Philadelphia area.
The official opening of the Philadelphia Fashion Incubator.
On March 1st, at 10:45 a.m., the incubator officially opened with a ceremonial ribbon cutting. The space is essentially a blank canvass for the designers to do whatever they want. One designer joked that Macy’s is giving them a job, and Macy’s CEO Terry Lundgren said, “I’m going to guarantee you an opportunity.”
The Incubator program selected Moore graduate Melissa D’Agostino, Philadelphia University alumna Kaitlyn Doherty, former Drexel University student Autumn Kietponglert, and wild cards Latifat Obajinmi and Moriamo Johnson as the 2012 inaugural class. In addition to retail and design space for a year, the program will also instruct the designers on how to conduct themselves with buyers, clients and retailers. Basically, they’re being groomed to be the next Chanel, Christian Louboutin, or Prada.
While the designers just got their space, they hope to have their lines completed by the fall, and have a fashion show to display the latest and greatest Philly talent.
Mayor Michael Nutter hopes to use the incubator program to foster Philly’s fashion industry by grooming our fashion students and, ultimately, give them a retail space on Chestnut Street. Nutter said, “[With the Incubator,] We’re growing our own fashion industry.”
2012 Oscars: PW Style Best/Worst Dressed Picks
To shake things up a bit, we here at PW Style decided to have all our contributors weigh in on the fashions at last night’s 84th Annual Academy Awards and, well, this proved to be rather interesting experiment in fashion democracy.
Not only did all seven bloggers choose a different starlet to top their “best dressed” list, but there’s even a few disagreements in the bunch. It’s a good thing we’re not a jury on a murder trial.
BEST DRESSED
Nicole: Michelle Williams & Giuliana Rancic (tie!)
“On one hand I have a huge girl crush on Michelle and think she looks absolutely darling in this coral gown (or any dress, for that matter). On the other hand, I couldn’t stop staring at Giuliana’s dress. Seriously, it’s just perfect.”
Jennifer: Berenice Bejo
“Berenice stunned in this beaded Elie Saab gown. The delicate mint green complimented her newly-dyed red hair, which was twisted into an elegant braid. Sometimes starlets try to avoid the long sleeve gowns, but the Argentine-French actress pulled it off with perfection. J’adore!”
Michelle: Gwenyth Paltrow
“There were a lot of gorgeous gowns on the runway this year, but Gwenyth looked so chic, regal and absolutely stunning in that dress. I was even happier when they showed her during the Oscars, so you could see that the cape jacket wasn’t attached, and came off.”
Emily: Jessica Chastain
“I’m normally biased towards her because she is a ginger goddess and was in my favorite nominated film (Tree of Life), but she looked perfectly stunning. Her choice was intricate yet elegant and the gold on black complimented her features wonderfully.”
Marissa: Mila Jovovich
“Mila didn’t have that old Hollywood-inspired air about her—she WAS old Hollywood. In a sweeping white sequined one-shoulder Elie Saab gown, romantic curled updo and perfectly red lips, she dazzled on the red carpet.”
Abigail: Meryl Streep
“I thought Meryl looked amazing, graceful.”
Lauren: Rooney Mara
“The short, blunt straight-across bangs contrasted against the femininity of an all-over lace Givenchy gown was surprising, but complimented each other well. She looked polished while still maintaining her edgy side.”
WORST DRESSED
Jennifer & Marissa: Sacha Baron Cohen
“Okay, seriously dude? Not the time for shameless self promotion right now. Such a shame really, because he can look quite dapper in a tux.”
Mark: Meryl Streep
“Who told her a gold dress was a good idea with her coloring?”
Michelle: Rooney Mara
“The girl gets crap for always wearing black, but I think white was a bad color choice for her. And that fabric that was over her boobs? It made her looks horrible! The color and the dress did not show off her best assets and the hairstyle did not help either. I just thought it was all wrong.”
Abigail: Angelina Jolie
“With those slits showing off these weird pre-pubescent legs…it was hard to look at.”
Lauren: Glenn Close
“The strapless Zac Posen gown she wore didn’t seem like it was age-appropriate, and throwing a blazer on over it just made her look all the more matronly.”
**All photos courtesy of People.com
What To Do This Weekend
If you typically spend your Friday nights out and about, pounding drinks and shakin yo’ ass, why not take in a fashion show while you’re at it? This showcae is essentially a clusterfuck of stimuli. In addition to live bands, DJs, breakdancers and Brazilian martial arts, there will be fashion shows featuring several up-and-coming designers including Ashley Davis’s “Cut & Sew” Spring/Summer 2012 collection and the new clothing line Death to Dubstep. There will also be a live recording of “The Kitchen Sink,” a half-hour variety show based here in Philly. Friday, 8pm-2am. $12. @ The Level Room (2102 Market St.)
For those looking for something a little more low-key, how about a taking in some art and culture? As part of Arts on South’s “Fourth Friday” Receptions, Community Cultural Exchange is hosting a mini healing arts expo that will feature free massages, Tai Chi and yoga demos and a Reiki session from a local health practitioner as well as local music and poetry to help you unwind. There will also be handmade soaps, lotions and other textiles for your personal health for sale. Friday, 3-10pm. Free. Community Cultural Exchange (706 South St.)
12th Annual Women of Substance & Style
In honor of Black History Month, Joan Shepp is 40 outstanding women with a fashionable affair complete with hors d’oeuvres, drinks, music, live art and shopping. A portion of the event’s proceeds will be donated to Nebinger Elementary School. And just in case that wasn’t enough, there’s going to be a slew of complimentary desserts provided by several local bakers including, Brown Betty, Miel Patisserie, Amy the Baker and Swiss Haus Bakery. Just make sure to wipe your hands before touching all the amazing designer fashions. Friday, 5:30-8:30pm. Free. @ Joan Shepp (1616 Walnut St.)
With spring lurking just around the corner, it wouldn’t hurt to get a head start on your spring cleaning. Saturday afternoon, free your closet of all the garments you know will never see the light of day again then trade them in for entirely new collection of looks on Sunday at this one-day pop-up shop in Germantown. To ensure there’s a decent selection of apparel to choose from, they’re inviting anyone and everyone to come with at least an entire bag’s worth of items to swap (including shoes and accessories). They also ask that whatever you bring be in good condition (no one wants a shirt that already has sweat stains). To enhance the swapping experience, music and light refreshments will be provided. Sunday, 1-4pm. $5. @ Torchlight Arts and Cultural Center (45 E. Church Ln.)
While I was planning to lock myself in my room for the Oscar’s on Sunday, getting dressed up in my best cocktail attire and watching it live inside the Ritz Carlton while enjoying complimentary champagne and food from new chef de cuisine Natahan Volz certainly sounds like a much better option. Oh, and its FREE. They’ll even be awarding prizes to the best-dressed attendees, including a free overnight stay in the exclusive Presidential Suite. Sunday, 6pm. Free. @Ritz Carlton Hotel, 10 Arts Bistro (Broad & Chestnut sts.)
The 2012 SAG Award for Best Dresses Goes To…
Photo courtesy of eonline.com
ROSE BYRNE!!
Few gals can pull off a jumpsuit, let alone a jumpsuit covered in sequins and crystal embellishments.
But by golly did she rock this!
During a red carpet interview, the Bridesmaids star noting have passed on this Elie Saab number for the Emmys and I don’t blame her—this is more SAG-appropriate attire. In the sea of mediocre full-length gowns, Rose stood out in the best possible way, officially confirming that not all jumpsuits are created equally.
Ultimately, what makes this glamorous onesie particularly flattering is the plunging neckline, cap sleeves and the wide-legged pants. The gold clutch and trendy bob cap off her flawless look.
And while a few Web sites have actually deemed Rose one the worst dressed starlets of the night, this really only reaffirms my suspicion that there’s a lot of blind fashion bloggers out there.
Beyonce’s Fashionable Footsteps
Yes, this is another blog post about Beyoncé, her baby, and how fabulous she is. Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past week, then you’re well-aware of the arrival of Blue Ivy Carter, the already-insanely-rich luckiest child alive, and daughter to Beyoncé Knowles and Jay-Z. Though Blue Ivy hasn’t accomplished anything yet (well, except for being born to the best mommy ever), she’s got some pretty fashionable shoes to fill.
Since the late ’90s, Beyoncé has been recognized for her courageous fashion efforts, ever-changing style and bangin’ bod. In honor of her new bundle of joy, PW Style is honoring one of the greatest icons of the 21st Century.
PFW: Black Tie Affair
Those in attendance at last night’s PFW event did not disappoint—they came to the glamorous affair appropriately dressed to the nines.
Held outside under the Headhouse Square pavillian, luckily the weather cooperated. Though, they should have given more thought about forcing women to walk on cobblestone in heels for two hours. After three influential voices and talents were awarded for their contributions to Philly’s fashion scene—including Inquirer fashion writer, Elizabeth Wellington—the runway show finally began…
First up were the vintage fashions of several local consignment/thrift shops including, Philly Aids Thrift, Twice Boutique , Green Street Consignment and some really sexy heels from Bus Stop Boutique.
Next, three local design students wowed the crowd…
And then guests were given a sneak peak at some of the upcoming PFW designers…
And then the grand finale! Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to catch the names of the two lovely ladies who designed these incredible dresses and for whatever reason, they aren’t posted anywhere…
Oh, and I almost forgot–chef Dana “Sugar Daddy” Herbert from TLC’s The Next Great Baker brought some very fashionable treats…
Here were my two favorite looks from the night…
**All photos courtesy of Nicole Leyrer (who did her best despite having to compete with the incredibly bright lights and a group of wild photographers)