L'Wren Scott April 28 1964-March 17, 2014

L'Wren Scott by divadebbi

Both the fashion and music worlds were rocked on Monday, at the news of the tragic suicide of fashion designer L'Wren Scott, equally well known for her 13 year relationship with rock royalty, Mick Jagger.

L'Wren's collection was never a commercial success, but she dressed many of the world's most famous women and always garnered praise on the Red Carpet for her exquisite creations. L'Wren's loyal followers included close friends Nicole Kidman and Ellen Barkin, as well as Amy Adams, Jennifer Lawrence, Sarah Jessica Parker, Christina Hendricks, Naomi Campbell, Penelope Cruz, Michelle Obama, Allison Williams, Jennifer Lopez and many others who appreciated her elegant, dramatic designs.

The long, lean, strong yet feminine lines of her clothes, took root in her childhood, when out of necessity, she sewed her own clothes to fit her 6'3 frame.  I have long admired her designs and wish I had at least tried one on.  She recently collaborated with Banana Republic on a collection for them.  As of this writing, I would guess there is not a piece to be found anywhere.

Michelle Obama in Wu 2: The Lady in Red

President and Mrs. Obama at the Inaugural Ball
Mrs. Obama in Jason Wu...again

Fashion pundits were agog that Michelle Obama chose another Jason Wu gown to wear to her second Inaugural Ball celebration.  In yesterday's blog, I didn't rule it out.

Four years ago, she catapulted Jason Wu into the fashion stratosphere.  Speculation was that she would do the same for another young designer tonight, but perhaps she already accomplished that earlier by choosing Thom Browne, primarily known as a menswear designer, to create her daytime ensemble.

Ultimately, I think the explanation is simple: Naturally she would have invited Mr. Wu to submit a gown for her to choose from, out of respect and friendship. I believe there were 15 designers in total.  Fashion politics aside, Mrs. O. must have felt this dress was the prettiest and most flattering on her. Period.

There is no denying that this gown is beautiful and Michelle Obama looks spectacular!  I love the radiant mix of chiffon and ruby velvet. Naturally it was belted...

I much prefer it to his first gown.

An American First Lady

An American First Lady by divadebbi 

When ever their is a major event that involves fashion, Polyvore holds a contest to see what we fashionista's might dream up for stars of the Red Carpet.

All eyes will of course me on the First Lady tomorrow night, as she whisks among the 10 or so, Inaugural Balls that will be in full swing all over D.C. tomorrow night.

I was not a big fan of Mrs. Obama's style early on in her husband's Presidency.  Greatly influenced by her then stylist Ikram Goldman, the owner of Ultimo in Chicago, I thought Mrs. Obama made some egregious fashion choices.

Brava!!!!

Well, I am officially kvelling!!! The Obama's hosted their first official White House State Dinner, honoring the Prime Minister of India and his wife and Michelle hit it out of the park.

Dressed regally, in a flattering, strapless Naeem Khan pale gold chiffon gown, with an overlay of sterling silver sequins, chiffon stole, gold bangles, chandelier earrings and a modern, up swept chignon, MO looked every inch, the First Lady of the world. This is what I have been waiting for since the Inauguration (of Jack Kennedy). Wowza!!!

Though some press reports are making Indian designer Naeem Khan sound like an upstart, he is light years from that! Naeem has been creating gorgeous frocks for the International set for years and he and his stunning wife Ranjana, are fixtures in New York society.

I saw Naeem interviewed and he said he did not have contact directly with Michelle, but with her long time stylist Ikram Goldman.

Fingers crossed that the outpouring of accolades for this smashing, spot on State Dinner fashion debut, is just the beginning of their collaborations and the understated elegance that suits the First Lady like a glove.

xox,
DD

Our First Priority: Wardrobe Reform

Mother knows best...and mine knows that I am chomping at the bit, to style our First Lady Michelle Obama. My mother just forwarded me a link from NBC's New York website. It is a slide show of Michelle Obama's Style Guide. I am, at the moment, hyperventilating. Style "Icon" to whom???

Since I will probably never have the opportunity to utter my signature line, "Take that schmatta OFF"!!! to our First Lady, I will offer up my advice anyway. I need the catharsis.

Ditch those waist length cardigans already: We all know her best asset is those arms. They should be shown, nekid at all times, even at the risk of culture clash, in places like Saudi Arabia.

Lose some of those belts- Sometimes they work and sometimes, they don't. M0 is not short waisted...MO is NO waisted. As a result, many of those too wide belts end up encircling her lungs. (Do ya think she belts her p.j.s too)???

Dressing in Bavarian waitress costumes must end- MO has a penchant for Thakoon, Junya Watanabe and Jason Wu bright, flocked, trimmed, ribboned, bric-a-brac skirts and dresses. I haven't even mentioned that she is bedecking this on to size "12" hips. Respectfully I ask, WTF???

Keep it solid (and dark)- Overblown plaids, checks, brushstrokes, polka dots, spots, florals and stripes usually look better on the seven or eight fellas, ringside, hopping out of a clown car.

Stick to an A-Line silhouette and invest in a good full length, 3-way mirror- Accentuate the positive, strictly waist-up Missy. Dirndls, crinolines and box pleats are dowdy and unflattering, not just to MO but to MOST.

Narciso is a skinny girl Designer- Think the Jessica's. Sarah Jessica Parker and Jessica Seinfeld...lithe, hipless wonders. I appreciate that she appreciates, his clean lines and sleek silhouettes. Please worship from afar.

Ballet Flats and Skirts-should only be worn by 6 year old girls at their ballet recitals. I get it...BO is slight and not all that tall. Please wear a minimum 50mm kitten heel while representing the U.S. Carla Bruni Sarkozy is just barely pulling this off.

Stand by your man- Michael Kors. The picture at the top left, is MO's offical White House portrait. She looks slim, elegant, sophisticated, powerful, and appropriate.

Why??? Simple.

MO is bare armed, in a dress that is slightly cut in at the shoulder, emphasizing her best features, her shoulders and arms. It is solid and A-Line so it is not distracting or adding fabric and width to her hips. Her waist is nipped, not by a belt for a change, but by good design and tailoring.

My advice? (not that your asking), order one in every color...except daffodil and hire yourself a good Personal Shopper--- you know, one that isn't afraid to say, "TAKE THAT SCHMATTA OFF"!!!

Today is my Birthday, so I am cashing in on my snarky chit. If I made any of you cranky, well, indulge me... I will do my best to hold my tongue on this subject, until next year...maybe, (and for the record, I voted for BO).

xox,
DD



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