Gown Parade (Fashion Week Review)

The Social Season has most definitely began and the closer it gets to the end of the year, the more festive our outfits become. I have browsed through new collections of SS16 on the catwalks of NY, London, Milan and a bit of Paris and made a very hard choice of picking the best of the best.

Just like we've been indulging in shoes, lets indulge in beautiful gowns which are without a doubt a work of art. I am placing my bets on seeing these particular choices on the red carpet and worn by the most renowned IT girls in town. Also I will play a little game of matching celebrities to the dresses.


The Black

Ermanno Scervino, Versace, Salvatore Ferragamo Marchesa
 

Its hard to imagine Fashionistas' wardrobe without black in it, especially when it comes to dresses. It's the easiest way to dress for something which you not sure how to, you simply can't go wrong (unless it's an all white party.... then your just making some sort of statement!). Black is comfortable, sexy and suits just about everyone.
The Ermanno Scervino has the shape and length of a good girl dress, however the leather and the cut-out details are making it perfect for a bad girl like Naomi Campbell to totally own it. How about Natasha Poly with a simple ponytail and minimal make up, which will look just as fierce in this leather number.
The Versace reflects the current wave of celebrities wearing brave and bare outfits. Therefore a good body and strong character is a must, which is why it will totally work for J.Lo or a petite Kate Hudson.
The Salvatore Ferragamo reminds me of a vibe back in 2010 where feathers on shoulders were popular. By using fur, the outfit doesn't look as aggressive, but contra-wise expensive and classy.  The raised shoulders and low V neck are very flattering, which means that it can work for both skinny and full bodied women. My celebrity pick for this is Megan Fox or Selena Gomez.
The Marchesa gown is a lacy heaven with a very obvious idea of underwear, matched with a very romantic, flowing skirt. We have seen this type of a dress on a red carpet quite a lot in the past season and the list of Divas to wear this is endless. It is very easy to look too sexy in this dress, therefore I would like to see a slender blonde like Hayden Panettiere. Someone like Amber Heard would actually look too sexy (need a more innocent face).

The Sheath

Ermanno Scervino, Moschino, Balmain, Vivienne Westwood

The shape of this dress is very popular with First Ladies, close to the body and just below the knee, the classic version always comes in cool matte colours, nothing aggressive or oversexualized. Nevertheless we are talking events and bright lights, therefore we need to push the boundaries. I am totally in love with the Ermanno Scervino silk, pink, very Barbie but very feminine, fresh and classy dress. Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel and Natalie Portman really should give it a try.
Jeremy Scott has always been great at interpreting fashion into fun, modern and provocative perspectives.Therefore this sky blue latex dress with an oversized bow is for brave ones only. The bestie of the brand Katy Perry will be perfect in this, especially when considering her beautiful curves.
Balmain collection was exquisite. This dress shows how quality can be defined in simplicity and details take it to the point where a simple dress becomes suggestive but elegant at the same time. The fabric will hold all the curves in the right places and show them off to the full potential, nevertheless if the body isn't in the perfect shape it will totally give you away. Without a doubt this is a J.Lo number.
Vivienne Westwood has also presented her take on a sheath dress, however a more comfortable and a classic version. As this is so simple and classy it will work well for Jolie (however the big shoulder pads might get her lost in the dress), however a more full bodied Scarlett Johansson will pull this off tot he full potential.


The Mini

Dsquared2, Balmain, Versace, Cavalli 

Mini dresses are the ultimate option for those who are blessed with long and slender pins, they are also very youthful and fun. Mini can also work well on a petite frame like Adriana Grande (as long as the proportions are right). The Dsquared2 follows the rules "if you bear one part, cover the other" which means that someone older can totally pull it off, would I dare mention Charlzie Theron. Nevertheless, the bright prints makes this mini fully accessible to youthful girls as well, perhaps try it out in autumn season with a long coat over the shoulders.
The Balmain mini is so delicious, I want to eat it, therefore I would love to see it one someone just as yummy, I'm thinking Beyonce or Kylie Jenner. The suede looks just as soft as the curves should be and the colour would match the caramel tones of the skin. Note the cross-laced detail on the cut out, it will appear quite often in the upcoming season.
Verscae is loud, bright and fun, perfect for an after-party and on someone just as loud and fun, like Gigi Haidi who wore it straight away after the show. I can even see Emma Watson wearing this with a messy up do and simple make up (of course with a perfect Chanel lip colour to match).
The Cavalli is the perfect black mini, its sassy, alluring and I totally need to see Rihanna wearing this little number in her brave effortless way or how about Heidi Klum matching it with ankle boots.


The Oscar

Givenchy, Julien Macdonalnd, Badgley Mischka, Givenchy

Big, extravagant and outstanding is the basic criteria for major glamour events such as the Oscars, and these dresses definitely match the criteria.
Its black, its organza with velvet, its matched with a high-knee velvet boots.... its Givenchy and its a stunner, which reminds me of the "Jolie leg" episode and I wonder who will end up wearing it as it will suit a majority of A-listers, I'm thinking Beyonce,Salma Hayek, Halle Berry...
The Julien Macdonald gown/playsuit has the ideal combination of fashion-edgy and red carpet glamour, a bit like Emma Stone in Lanvin at the Golden Globes. This dress is majestic and it requires tall, slim physique and should be on Sienna Miller or Kira Knightley.
What Osacrs will there be if we don't note the actresses who have set the high bar for talent and quality acting . Badgley Mischka provided something from the runway which can be easily worn by Meryl Streep or Julianne Moore. The full bodied classic ball skirt and a hint of a bling on the top, provide a beautiful balance for the look fit for a movie icon.
Finally the cream tussled Givenchy gown is all about old school glamour blended with smart couture. Fully covered but it accentuates and lengthens the silhouette. Once more I would like to see someone with classical beauty and preferably with dark  hair like Angelina Jolie or Kira Knightley (blonde, might start to look like Lasie in this).


The Cool

Victoria Beckham, Oscar de la Renta, Emperio Armani, Chalayan

These types are for those who are not into glitzy glamour but prefer a simple, clean look instead. The key for that look is good quality material, tailoring and unusual detail which makes a simple outfit into an interesting one.
Victoria Beckham is a great definition of the Cool glamour and her designs reflect how to be comfortable, effortless but nevertheless beautiful. The very low V neck, a burst of bright colour on the strap and the chequered insertion at the side add all the needed accents to make this dress stand out and worth an outing to an event. I'm thinking Olivia Wilde due to her slender but tall frame and unusual beauty would look literally perfect.
Oscar de la Renta is a timeless designer who is always producing very feminine, light and romantic clothing. The red is bright enough to stand out and the lace is delicate enough to balance the aggressive colour. The frills and the summery design, reminds me of Sicily which is why I would love to see Monica Bellucci at daytime event or Blake Lively for an effortless evening look.
The Armani and the Chalayan have similar idea to the Victoria's design as the oose with contemporary and coolness in their designs. I think Solonge Knowles would totally rock the orange Armani and it would be an interesting style experiment for Eva Mendes.


The Classic

Carolina Herrera, Ralph Lauren, Zac Posen, Marchesa

Clasic is timeless, its slick and somewhat simple. Note that all dresses use one main block colour, clean outline of the shape and fitted silhouette. I could have picked something super simple....but that would actually be boring. I love that each dress has added its own spice to the classic recipe of the red carpet gown.
White Herrera gown has very modern design due to the gaps between the fabric, however the very simple outline of the dress keeps it looking fresh, youthful and clean, which would look stunning on Blake Livley or Kate Hudosn, .
The youthful Ralph Lauren is so simple and at the same time so perfect that it would look extra cool on Rihnna, as for this dress a great body and a good smile will make the perfect package of comfortable and simple way to the best dressed list. 
Zac Posen has taken a clasic shape and used super sexy silk which would look stunning on Irina Shayk (what wouldn't in all fairness) who would make this gown from the rich girl at a boring function, to a head turner. Go for those cat eyes and red lips with a tight bun and it will make the massive difference.  
Marchesa looks like a very predicable and classic gown, however it has the edgy details which make it very interesting and would suit the style phase which Lady Gaga has at the moment.

The Glitz

Balmain, Temperley London, Gucci, Rachel Zoe

          

  All that Glitz and Glamour hasn't left Hollywood for a very long time, however the idea of Diva has developed into a much classier feel (even though its still covered in sparkles).
Oliver Rousteing has created a collection which we will be worn by a vast majority of celebs, the sequinned, see through skirt is allready a total must have. Balmain has reached its flamboyant glamour peak and will have a massive influence on the rest of the industry. Please get this dress on Jennifer Lopez because what not J.Lo about this dress!
Temperley London reminds me of 20s glamour, I love how the sequence pattern varies around the waist and chest to create an optic illusion which flatters the spacious dress. I cant help but to wish for Christina Aguliera and Amber Heard to bring all that classic American beauty to match the shine of the dress. By the way! How cute will Marion Cotillard be in this dress, with all that French romance! Gucci's gown feels very vintage, it is full of detail but very modest at the same time. This is a perfect Kira Knightley dress, and I refuse to give it to anyone else as I still want to see the rest of the happy ending with Mr.Darcy.
I am very happy to include my favourite stylist, Rachel Zoe, who is the queen of boho style. Even with multicoloured stripes loaded with sparkles this is a very chick dress. the fully open back brings what can be a simple sparky dress to a couture gown, note how beautiful and sensual the actual cut is, and with everything else totally covered it is not too sensual and simply perfect! Naturally I would like someone like Beyonce to push the boundaries of that balance. This is a very youthful dress and will actually suit a vast variety of women, ranging from Jennifer Lawrence to Selena Gomez.



Phew, thanks for bearing with me on the long post, with each day/hour of the fashion week I've had to add more and more pieces and it was very tough to stop whilst the catwalks continued. Do not threat I will write about what you, my lovleys will need to know about!!