Closet Profile: Persian Masquerade Gala

THE GREAT GATSBY

What I love about the roaring 20’s is that style, flare, and excitement eclipsed all forms of practicality. This Halloween, Zooom Box organizers (www.zooombox.com), Sepehr Askaryan, Farzad Biuok, and Nima Soofi brought back 20’s frivolity at their Persian Masquerade Gala.

Persian Masquerade Gala
Persian Masquerade Gala
Persian Masquerade Gala
Persian Masquerade Gala

Persian Masquerade Gala
Persian Masquerade Gala

My presence with guests was marred by my judging eyes for red carpet style, which I described in my fashion commentary before the event. My top three red carpet picks seemed to have taken my advice.

Red Carpet Report
Look #1 (Lady in Red)

Persian Masquerade Gala: #1 Look
Persian Masquerade Gala: Look #1 (Lady In Red)
Persian Masquerade Gala: #1 Look
Persian Masquerade Gala: Look #1 (Lady In Red)
Persian Masquerade Gala: #1
Persian Masquerade Gala: Look # 1 (Lady In Red)

I always like to see women in a bold color choice when dressing for an event. This masquerade guest wowed me with her choice of color, and flawless fit. Her muted gold bag was on-point for the season, and her black mask created an air of mystery. Good to know behind the mask was simply beautiful.

Look #2 (Snow White)

Persian Masquerade Gala
Persian Masquerade Gala: Look #2 (Snow White)
Persian Masquerade Gala
Persian Masquerade Gala: Look #2 (Snow White)

To step out in all white to an event is a risk on its own, but add Vancouver pouring rain–standing ovation. I liked this dress because of its gold-embroidered embellishment and asymmetrical hemlines. This masked guest blew onto the red carpet like wind through a meadow. I maybe obsessed with gold as an invest strategy, but she took me to a new bullion standard level.

Look #3 (Purple Princess)

Persian Masquerade Gala:
Persian Masquerade Gala: Look #3 (Purple Princess)
Persian Masquerade Gala
Persian Masquerade Gala: Look #3 (Purple Princess)
Persian Masquerade Gala: #3 (Purple Princess)
Persian Masquerade Gala: Look #3 (Purple Princess)

With purple being one of the biggest color trends of the Fall 2012 season, I was excited to see my last red carpet pick give me style, grace, and elegance in the color purple. Her best accessory to coordinate her look, is a style mavens go-to accessory, her companion. He complimented her look with mirrored color points and chivalry.

The Event

Persian Masquerade Gala: Security, "Can I check your bag please."
Persian Masquerade Gala: Security, “Can I check your bag please.”
Persian Masquerade Gala: Security, "Can I check your bag please."
Persian Masquerade Gala
Persian Masquerade Gala: Security, "Can I check your bag please."
Persian Masquerade Gala

A successful event always begins with an amazing backdrop, The Vancouver Art Gallery, non-the-less, a fabulous red carpet, free drinks, and food; this event did not disappoint. As the drinks flowed and music blared, guest received a burlesque themed showcase.

The Fashion

Persian Masquerade Gala: Jacqueline Conoir
Persian Masquerade Gala: Jacqueline Conoir
Persian Masquerade Gala: Jacqueline Conoir
Persian Masquerade Gala: Jacqueline Conoir
Persian Masquerade Gala: Jacqueline Conoir
Persian Masquerade Gala
Persian Masquerade Gala: Elik+Afsi
Persian Masquerade Gala: Elik+Afsi
Persian Masquerade Gala: Elik+Afsi
Persian Masquerade Gala: Elik+Afsi
Persian Masquerade Gala: Elik+Afsi

My time was spent exploring the exciting guests and taking in the fashion show; two Vancouver designers featured; Jacqueline Conoir and Elik+Asfi. Each mask held a story, but like Vegas, I don’t kiss and tell. However, I will share some of the fun looks that graced the party. Enjoy!!

]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rARN6agiW7o&w=560&h=315

Closet Confession: Dear Anna

Ms. Wintour

Dear Anna,

After years of trying to write you a letter, I thought I would put one on my blog. After watching you on the Colbert Report (Wednesday, May 9, 2012), I love you. Not only did you match wits with Stephen, you slammed his style, while supporting gay marriage. A proven professional, you never miss a beat.

Anna-Wintour-Met-Gala-2012
“Schiaparelli And Prada: Impossible Conversations” Costume Institute Gala

What I love about Ms. Wintour is that her style is always consistent. Her signature bob haircut has become timeless, while her mid-calf length skirts, dresses, and… I don’t think I’ve seen her in pants?  Her style has become synonymous with elegance, I confess: calf-length is my favourite skirt length.

Anna Wintour and Sarah Mower
anna-main

Anna is one of the few magazine editors that has become, not only famous for her style and attitude, but like Simon Cowell, she has made mean cool–well, only when you know what you’re talking about. You have to love a women who knows how to state her opinion looking fabulous!

annaWintour_100609

To be on top for over 20 years, takes not only guts, or a lust for power, but true love and passion. Anna has taken the fashion world and combined it with American spending power, which has turned American Vogue into the Bible of style. Not always the most ground breaking in editorial photography, Vogue is relatable to everyone. For me, a magazine can only dominate when it is based on replication, therefore a look can be achieved by the viewer. A great example is what I call mall pop-stars. Any major artist who breaks into the pop scene must have a look that can be bought at any local mall–Britney and Madonna’s debut albums. This is what creates relatable fashion and followers.

OB-NA846_0411ma_G_20110315143301
OB-NF228_0411ma_G_20110324121044

Vogue may give the most high-end look, but it is one that is achieved on many levels, from major fashion designers to Zara, looks can be repeated by way of emulation. This accessibility, I believe, is what has kept Wintour on top. You may not like her method or attitude, but you have to respect her dedication to fashion.

anna-wintour3

MC.

Raw Edges: Street Fashion Interviews

Discovery Channel

Fashion is all about discovering new talent, people, and style. NYFW is the best place and time to meet everyone. Between all the wonderful shows, I always like meeting new people, therefore understanding fashion and style a little further.

I first meet street style photographers, Wataru Shimosato and Young Jun Koo, whose style attracted my attention. The two photographers were shy to speak, but check out their blogs (I’M Koo and  An Unknown Quantity) to see what wonderful people they snap around New York, even designers and the Queen of Mean, Anna Wintour, whom I love, line up to be immortalized by the photog friends.

Young Jun Koo: Wall Street Journal
Young Jun Koo: Wall Street Journal
IMKOO_ANNAWINTOUR2
IMKOO_ANNAWINTOUR2
Wataru Shimosato: An Unknown Quantity
Wataru Shimosato: An Unknown Quantity
Richard-Chai-Spring-St-An-Unknown-Quantity-New-York-Fashion-Street-Style-Blog1
Richard-Chai-Spring-St-An-Unknown-Quantity-New-York-Fashion-Street-Style-Blog1
Richard-Chai-Spring-St-An-Unknown-Quantity-New-York-Fashion-Street-Style-Blog1
Richard-Chai-Spring-St-An-Unknown-Quantity-New-York-Fashion-Street-Style-Blog1
Richard-Chai-Spring-St-An-Unknown-Quantity-New-York-Fashion-Street-Style-Blog1
Richard-Chai-Spring-St-An-Unknown-Quantity-New-York-Fashion-Street-Style-Blog1

Next up was a very well dressed woman, whose name I didn’t get, I think I was too in love with her cashmere coat to ask. This emerging fashion talent told me a little about her line and described her elegant style, of course all made by her, except, her fur collar, which was handed down by her grandma. Incorporating family history, and sentimental pieces is a great way to give your look originality and style (sorry, no photo, check out video).

Well, here she is as promised, Faustina Rose, a blog favourite. I meet this Lady Gaga look-a-like, although complete original herself (I am sure she is sick of the comparison). I wrote about her gob-smacking style a few posts back, but it took me a moment to discovery I was not speaking with a mere mortal, just check out her website. If you enjoy her style, she reveals some of her beauty secrets in our video. Ms. Rose has also been captured by our photographer friends.

Faustina Rose: IMKOO_NYFW6
Faustina Rose: IMKOO_NYFW6
Faustina Rose: IMKOO_NYFW6_2
Faustina Rose: IMKOO_NYFW6_2
Faustina Rose: IMKOO_NYFW6_3
Faustina Rose: IMKOO_NYFW6_3

After all my fashionistas, I bumped into some musical artist, Lily Halpern, whose rumoured to be dating, Harry Styles, from One Direction, England’s break-out boy band. This songstress seemed very busy during fashion week. I was a little shocked when I spotted her on E! News.

harry-lily and Harry Styles
harry-lily and Harry Styles
harry-styles-one-direction-romantically-lily-halpern
harry-styles-one-direction-romantically-lily-halpern

The last part of my video came with a blanket of mystery, no names, just info. I meet an RCA executive, whose wife designs hang bags, while interviewing her, she let it slip that her husband had signed a new artist. When I spoke with the mystery executive, he said I was getting a big scoop. I spoke with the new artist about her style and fashion week connection (check out video for her name).

MC.

Cover Me: FACETASM

Tokyo Fashion Week Fall 2012: FACETASM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cgs9Oifubr4&w=560&h=315

Facetasm Fall 2012
Facetasm Fall 2012
Facetasm Fall 2012
Facetasm Fall 2012

I was doing some research for Tokyo Fashion Week, and I came across one of the coolest collections–FACETASM. I love when I find new things. This Spring I was obsessed with Rick Owens and Givenchy, but Facetasm seems to blend everything I love about both of those collections into one. Also, “hello,” everyone knows I love a scarf, and these are awesome!!

Facetasm Fall 2012
Facetasm Fall 2012
Facetasm Fall 2012
Facetasm Fall 2012
Facetasm Fall 2012
Facetasm Fall 2012
Facetasm Fall 2012
Facetasm Fall 2012

I’ve always felt that fashion today flows from Tokyo street style, into Paris Couture, and then New York mainstream. Milan is always doing its thing on the edge. When I spend time in Japan, I am always amazed that I can wear anything. New York street style is very edgy, like Tokyo, but there is something to Tokyo that is outrageous. Case and point, I am walking down the streets of Shibuya and this girl is waiting for her boyfriend to apply his make-up — flabbergasted! Anyway, I am not here debate “New York Street Style” and “Tokyo Street Style,” both are very unique and amazing to me.

Facetasm Fall 2012
Facetasm Fall 2012
Facetasm Fall 2012
Facetasm Fall 2012
Facetasm Fall 2012
Facetasm Fall 2012
Facetasm Fall 2012
Facetasm Fall 2012

The Facetasm collection designed by Hiromichi Ochiai, did a great job blending street style into a streamlined collection that is sophisticated and wearable. When a collection pushes the limits of style while keeping it wearable is always refreshing. Fashion produces so many collections, but for the average consumer most looks are not practical. This collection has some great fashion and style elements. Created for both men and women, this collection has wonderful points for all.  I hope you will find as much inspiration from this collection as I did.

Facetasm Fall 2012
Facetasm Fall 2012
Facetasm Fall 2012
Facetasm Fall 2012
Facetasm Fall 2012
Facetasm Fall 2012
Facetasm Fall 2012
Facetasm Fall 2012

MC.

Cover Me: Riddle Me This…

Stepping Up

During NYFW Fall 2012, J.Mendel gave us a big show.  Front row seats were full of celebrity guests. Fashionable noted, two sunglass clad twins. Also spotted front row was fashion commentator and stylist, Mary Alice Stephenson. I got a chance to speak with fashion’s globe-trotting Queen backstage at J.Mendel.

rby-mary-alice-stephenson-prabal-gurung-fall-2012-s2
rby-mary-alice-stephenson-prabal-gurung-fall-2012-s2
kristen-wiig-2012-oscars-j-mendel-dress
kristen-wiig-2012-oscars-j-mendel-dress
J.Mendel: Pre-Fall 2012
J.Mendel: Pre-Fall 2012

For this year’s Academy Awards red carpet breakdown, Wendy Williams called on Stephenson. She has also  dressed major celebrities such as Sarah Jessica Parker,  and she  is a major contributor to Harper’s Bazzaar, so I knew I was in good hands talking about the inspiration for the J.Mendel show. Minus her credentials, I may have been a little taken by all her compliments to my outfit.

J.Mendel Fall 2012
J.Mendel Fall 2012
J.Mendel Fall 2012
J.Mendel Fall 2012
J.Mendel Fall 2012
J.Mendel Fall 2012

 Kristen Wigg won Oscar gold in  J.Mendel this year. J.Mendel is known for amazing furs and modern evening wear, which did not disappoint. I picked a few pieces to highlight Fall 2012.

J.Mendel Fall 2012
J.Mendel Fall 2012
J.Mendel Fall 2012
J.Mendel Fall 2012
J.Mendel Fall 2012
J.Mendel Fall 2012