This is a test shoot that I had the pleasure of styling a few weeks ago. Featuring the latest addition to Red Models, Ricky Owens, the shoot was very moody and dark, but striking and beautiful at the same time. Shot by Nigel Hosang (who is also shooting the Sergio James Spring 2012 Campaign ) the images turned out way beautiful. Mixing pieces from my own wardrobe, Tim Hamilton and New York menswear designer Ninh Nguyen, Ricky looked fantastic. I had such a great time working with them and I am sure that Ricky will do very well.
To close the Fall 2011 Haute Couture season, Supermodel Natalia Vodianova hosted her “White Fairy Tale Love Ball” at the Valentino estate outside of Paris. The goal of the event was to raise money for her Naked Heart Foundation, which has already built 60 playgrounds in 44 Russian cities. The night was a true successes ranking in over $3 Million dollars for the charity. The little red riding hood inspired gown Natalia wore, was custom-made by Mr Valentino and was the first dress he has made since his retirement in 2008. The event also was topped off with a Fashion show which featured 45 custom dresses created by Olivier Theyskens, Alexander Wang, Stella McCartney, and many more designers including Valentino. The main thing that inspired me and made me smile, and was the most magical, were the guest. Everyone from Hamish Bowles to Daphne Guinness, to every heiress, socialite and dignitary you can imagine was in attendance. After all, when Mr Valentino throws a ball at his Château you don’t decline. Below are some of my favorite memorable guest of the night…
Mario Testino
Olivia Palermo in Valentino Couture
Daphne Guinness in Alexander McQueen for Givenchy Couture Fall 2000 & Carine Roitfeld
When the news broke a few months ago that French designer Giambattista Valli was inducted as a gust member to the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, I was beyond ecstatic! His ready to wear collections are always pure representations of femininity and luxury and I am such a big fan. As guest of the Chambre Syndicale, he produced his first ever Haute Couture collection in Paris recently, he stated “The most beautiful thing about the couture is the devotion” and that philosophy was clearly apparent in the staggering 45 looks that he presented. Composing of endless yards of vibrantly colored chiffon, hand bead work, layers of tulle, and some fantastic animal prints, the collection was a bit on the frothy side but still maintained the timeless Parisian elegance and flair Giambattista is known for. I am so happy for him and I know that after the rave reviews he has received for this first Couture collection, the future will only be more magical. As a guest member of the Chambre Syndicale he must await 5 years before he is eligible to practice the art of Haute Couture officially. Here are some of my favorites from the collection..
It’s very difficult to explain the sheer craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into the only 10 looks of the Givenchy Fall 2011 Couture collection. Photos never do justice when we are talking hundreds of hours of fine handwork. The lightness and heavenly presence the collection exuded was balanced by the fragility and grace each piece displayed. Riccardo Tisci explained the collection was a meditation on “Purity, lightness, fragility,” And it was done exquisitely.
“I try to find the light in the darkness . . . Riccardo Tisci
The Black Nouveau 
