Tag Archives: Janelle Monae

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

9 Mar

Award season is over, but there is still the post-party looks to celebrate here at TV Ate My Wardrobe. It has been a good week for fashion; kicking off with the Film Independent Spirit Awards, followed by the big one. The Oscars delivered on the dress drama even if there were no big surprises in the winners department.

Now for the after-parties with Vanity Fair’s annual shindig being the big draw. Plenty of incredible looks featuring new spins on recent trends. Plus a dash of Paris Fashion Week. March is starting just as busy as the previous two months.Now I thought Janelle Monáe’s hot pink suit from the Wrinkle in Time premiere was the one, but this custom Christian Siriano fire engine red ladysuit/train combo is THE ONE.

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Monáe also posted this fabulous group shot from the Vanity Fair party. So many amazing people in one photo.Lena Waithe has a strong jacket game, as witnessed at the Emmys last year. This double-breasted Ralph Lauren Purple Label check and white bow tie combo is just as fabulous.

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Squad.

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And another amazing group shot. The official Vanity Fair photos from this party are always drool worthy, these ones by Mark Seliger continue this tradition.Queen Judith Light adds some ruffles to the proceedings; she could hold court in pre-revolution France or a 2018 Osacr party.

What a beautiful shot of Sarah Paulson and Holland Taylor. All the couple goals.Sequins are not just for Christmas as this award season has proved. There are also many ways to wear sequins including combining them with my favorite kind of ensemble; the ladysuit! Angela Bassett has gone from one kind of sequin pants to another. This Teresa Helbig number is a mosaic dream.Rainbow sequins conjure up all those ’70s inspiration feelings. Constance Wu in Markarian is making me want to grab a pair of stacked shoes and dance the night away. Of course I would take those shoes off first before the dancing. I don’t want to break my ankle. I know they are trolling us. I still ship it. And Mindy Kaling is crushing it in Atelier Prabal Gurung.One day I want to be able to call Patricia Clarkson, Patty. For now all I can do is marvel at Clarkson in another incredible Christian Siriano gown from the night.Zoe Lister Jones has gone the Constance Wu dress length route in magenta Sally LaPointe, which gives a slightly cooler vibe. They also don’t have to worry about anyone stepping on their train all night. An Oscar de la Renta princess style frock for Abigail Spencer, which is super pretty. Also Timeless is back this weekend and I cannot wait.
Now for something completely different with Karen Gillan in a whimsical Ronald van der Kemp frock that looks like a mural for a nursery. That doesn’t sound like a compliment, but it is.More Christian Siriano with one final glitzy frock from the night. Busy Philipps was front and center with BFF Michelle Williams last year, much to my delight. Philipps didn’t have such a dramatic night this time, but looks fabulous nonetheless. Speaking of Michelle Williams, she attended the star-studded Louis Vuitton show at Paris Fashion Week. This look is very much in her wheelhouse. Also one of the less out there/more wearable outfits worn by the celebs in attendance. Lots of leather at Louis Vuitton including this belted shirt dress as worn by Sophie Turner. A fun switch up from the Sansa Stark fur of it all. Speaking of fur (of the faux variety), Noomi Rapace looks like she is having the most fun in this ensemble. And I’ve got used to seeing Edgar Ramirez surrounded by fashion, but not with all this hair. Yesterday was the first Marvelous Mrs. Maisel season 2 table read and the first episode will be shot in Paris. I cannot wait to see what Midge will be wearing.

At the Miu Miu show, Mrs Maisel herself, Rachel Brosnahan goes for classic polka dots with a red twist.Christie is already her surname and at Miu Miu, Gwendoline Christie is serving up some Miss Marple/Poirot cast member vibes. This houndstooth coat and Peter Pan collar need to be worn by the star of the next adaptation.

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

2 Mar

Oscars weekend is here! But before this blog becomes awash with super fancy gowns there are a number of other events including the star-studded premiere for A Wrinkle in Time, the Essence Women in Hollywood luncheon, more fashion week and some stunning magazine covers to enjoy.Janelle Monáe sartorially dominated awards season last year. Now she is back with new music to dance to and this stunning hot pink Wolk ladysuit. The black and white touches are still present, but Monáe is very good at changing things up. A beautiful Vionnet gown for Gugu Mbatha-Raw that is part Grecian, part rainbow dream. Angela Bassett looks like a disco queen in sequin Greta Constantine. Take me to Studio 54.The cast of A Wrinke in Time went to Disneyland as part of the promotional train. And Mindy Kaling wore polka dots without looking too Minnie Mouse. In excellent TV casting news; Lupita Nyong’o and Danai Gurira are reuniting for the mini-series adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah.  The pair attended the 2018 Essence Black Women in Hollywood Oscars Luncheon yesterday (it was also Lupita’s birthday) where Gurira was honored.

There’s a fun ’80s twist to Lupita’s Ronald van der Kemp floral and snakeskin print mini. And Danai Gurira’s gone for an ethereal Loewe frock, but it is her stacked heels that I am coveting hard.Two very different ’70s style inspiration points, two outfits that look fabulous. Rainbow tassels for Tiffany Haddish, all the sequins for Yvonne Orji.

Also this video is from last week, but it is worth watching again.So many amazing ladies at this event and so many TV Ate My Wardrobe faves. The pattern and bold color of these outfits makes me so happy. At Paris Fashion Week, Isabelle Huppert leans into a classic look at Dior. This is an outfit I would wear, but I would not exude this level of cool.

I also stopped myself from using chic because now all I can hear is Reynolds Woodcock’s disdain for this word.It has been over a year since Westworld graced our screens, but the season two April 22 return date has snuck up on me. Well, there is still over a month to go and yet Entertainment Weekly is getting the hype machine going early with this new cover. Perhaps there is a need for a longer promo window to match the time it has been off screens.

Dolores and Maeve were the standout characters from season one so I am thrilled they are the chosen cover stars. And that Maeve has ditched her gowns for pants. The Teen Vogue print edition is no more, but that doesn’t mean the end of the Teen Vogue cover; the first digital only cover takes the big group shot that magazines like Vanity Fair and The Hollywood Reporter often deliver and makes it awesome.

So who is on the cover? Bria Vinaiti (The Florida Project), Sasha Lane (Hellboy), Margaret Qualley (The Leftovers), Ellie Bamber (The Nutcracker), Letitia Wright (Black Panther), Laura Harrier (Spider-Man: Homecoming), Storm Reid (A Wrinkle in Time) and Awkwafina (Ocean’s 8).

One thing I always end up talking about with the THR drama actress cover is what color scheme they go for with pastels being a go to palette choice. There are pastels here, but it isn’t bridesmaid leaning (thanks Kirsten Dunst for that comment). A mix of bold color, pretty dresses, ladysuits, flats, heels; there is a through line even if there are many different styles at play. I would love to see THR take a page out of Teen Vogue’s style book for the next roundtable season. I want to frame this cover. And for all things Lady Bird, I was joined by long time Teen TV collaborator Julie Hammerle to discuss the movie, how it relates to the Teen TV we have previously discussed and our own experiences. It is really fun.

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

23 Feb

Black Panther is now out, but this doesn’t mean the cast won’t be gracing “Out of the Box” this week. And yep, there is more awards season shenanigans with the BAFTAs, fashion week, magazine covers, premiere and other sartorially pleasing events.As with the Golden Globes and the Costume Designers Guild Awards—for more on that red carpet head here—the majority of attendees wore black in support of the #TimesUp and #MeToo movements.

Lupita Nyong’o keeps with her dresses that resemble some form of armor theme, this time in Elie Saab. Also with that all important twirl factor.

Before the BAFTAs, Lupita was joined by Danai Gurira in South Africa. These stunning shots could easily be a magazine shoot.

Formal ladysuits are still having a moment on the red carpet much to my delight; Ruth Wilson looks fabulous in Christian Dior. The sandals aren’t the obvious choice, but I think they work. As does that shade of red lipstick. This Zuhair Murad ensemble was probably chosen before the Black Panther press tour, but it is hard not to see the influence here. Naomie Harris looks stunning in this feathered and sheer number—sometimes I like these two things combined—and as with the Golden Globes the pants/dress hybrid is working like a charm. Fashion Week has now hit Milan, at the Gucci show Rowan Blanchard is delivering 1970s reporter with a hot scoop in a green jumpsuit. I love everything about this.Keeping with the ’70s look is Aya Cash at the opening night of her new play Kings. Cash spilled her outfit secrets on Instagram; this orange dress beauty is vintage and the shoes are Forever 21. Pop socks continue to be a thing I want to try out, but I’m not sure I can pull off.At the Game Night premiere, Sharon Horgan wears The Vampire’s Wife and of course I am super into this witchy prairie styling. 

Millie Bobby Brown looks like she is going to Spring Formal in polka dot Rodarte and I mean that as a compliment. This frock also reminds me of what Rodarte fave Kirsten Dunst wore for her Nylon cover. At the Brit Awards, Brown holds a white rose as a sign of support for the #MeToo and #TimesUp campaigns.Atlanta is back next week for season two! I am so ready. At the premiere Lakeith Stanfield, Brian Tyree Henry, Donald Glover and Zazie Beetz are all serving up strong looks. Glover is also keeping with the ’70s inspiration in Salvatore Ferragamo, which is all over this week’s column.And at the after party, Zazie Beetz shows how to go from fancy white halter to casual, in one easy grey sweatshirt step. These are some GQMF at a GQ event celebrating Timothée Chalamet’s cover, including CMBYN co-star Armie Hammer.  A good array of jackets on display.

After weeks of watching Darren Criss giving such an incredible performance on American Crime Story it took a moment to adjust to see him smiling next to a non-Versace looking Edgar Ramirez. Jamie Dornan is also sporting the beard I hope he never shaves off again; in this facial hair contest, Hammer is definitely trailing behind.  On the slightly more casual end of things is man of the hour Timothée Chalamet with Kid Cudi (yes I still miss How To Make It In America) and Black Panther’s Winston Duke. A pop of orange is the way to make a dark suit shine.Jordan Peele got to turn Janelle Monáe into a Hitchcock protagonist for W Magazine and the results are as incredible as this cover is. And ladysuits aplenty! GQ Style teased the Oscar Isaac profile on Monday night; on Tuesday they did not let us down. Not only is this a mesmerizing shoot featuring a whole lot of suits, but the interview goes deep on Isaac’s career, his process, how his mother’s death impacted his relationships and that he was shooting Star Wars and Annihilation at the same time.

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

2 Feb

A week of two “Out of the Box” posts! For everything Black Panther head here.

In this rundown; the Grammys—featuring ladysuits aplenty—premieres, fashion campaigns and a very good photoshoot. The very busy January has come to an end, but February will likely be just as hectic. Oh yes, fashion week is coming.The music industry has not been good, kind or supportive to Kesha, but Kesha showed up to the Grammys and bared her soul on stage in a heart crushing performance of “Praying.” Caroline Framke nails the hypocrisy of the music industry in this article.

At the Golden Globes the #TimesUp message was delivered in black, at the Grammys the symbol was a white rose (which wasn’t as effective). Kesha’s fabulous Nudie’s Rodeo Tailors custom look includes embroidered roses and this is a fantastic ladysuit. The silver boots are the perfect touch of glitz to proceedings.  Janelle Monáe gave a powerful introduction to Kesha’s performance; the music industry has failed Kesha, but it was still incredibly heartwarming to see so many women supporting her. Monáe also opted for the floral embroidered aspect of the white rose and I have really missed her this award season.

Luckily there is a double dose of Monàe this week. What a stunning Dolce & Gabbana tuxedo. More ladysuit excellence; so many different ways to put a feminine spin on menswear. Anna Kendrick does the whole sexy thing with La Perla lace paired with Balmain plaid. Adding a dash of color with pink Casadei pumps. Sequins, sequins, sequins. This is an award season staple that is thankfully not going away and Chrissy Teigen’s YANINA Couture dress is one of the glitzy highlights from this crowded time of year.

Semi-related, but this piece about maternity wear over at Racked is one of the best things I have read this week.In custom Gucci, Lana Del Rey goes full ’30s starlet with an overt nod to actress and science pioneer Hedy Lamarr (yes I do have Karina Longworth’s voice saying her name in my head) with the crown of stars. A breathtaking look.

Grown-ish continues to do some very fun and interesting things. Plus it is strong in the style stakes. Including this brief homage to Lemonade.

Yara Shahidi’s ditched the heels she wears in the scene for comfier Birkenstocks. 2 Dope Queens makes its podcast to TV special leap tonight on HBO (February 2); Jessica Williams and Phoebe Robinson have been making the talk show round this week much to my Instagram Story watching joy. Both women make consistently fun fashion choices and at their premiere it was no different.

Williams wears a velvet belted MISA frock, Robinson’s gone burnt orange Free People pants and halter. Both have a ’70s vibe without looking like they’re matchy matchy.

And because I can’t resist the DVF suit version of Danai Gurira’s frock. Another ladysuit winner. Celebrity pregnancy confirmations range in the same way it does for a regular person to announce (or not). There are so many tacky ways to talk about a pregnant celeb and the official bump unveiling discussion is one of them. Anyone who has seen a recent photo of Kirsten Dunst knows she is pregnant, but this Rodarte S/S ’18 campaign apparently counts as her official word on the matter (there is no accompanying statement).

The photos by Autumn de Wilde are beautiful, as is the whole famous person filled lookbook.

And yes I am very happy about this news because while I can be grossed out by ways certain publications discuss the baby bump as if it is its own being (“showcasing their baby bump”); I am also very fond of this celebrity couple. Contradictions and multitudes.

collection featuring a lot of amazing women including Danai Gurira in ruffled polka dots. I’m not going to read this conversation between Saoirse Ronan and Timothée Chalamet until I have seen Lady Bird (on Monday!), but I really wanted to bask in the sweaters. The Good Place season two finale was indeed very, very good. There are not enough words to describe what a wonderful show this is. Thankfully we have Manny Jacinto talking to GQ about Jason, Blake Bortles, the phenomenon that is this show and his parents. The accompanying photos are also part of the good place.

Out of the Box: Look of the Week – A Black Panther Special

2 Feb

An early contender for best red carpet of 2018; my expectations were set to high for the Black Panther promo tour because the core cast always bring sartorial excellence, but they delivered and then some at the LA premiere on Monday night.* The red carpet was a regal purple, the theme of African royalty was interpreted in a variety of stunning ways. A celebration of all things Black pride, including a lot of nods to African heritage through dress, accessories and hair; something that runs through the costume design of the film.

*I’m late with this post as I’ve had stomach flu this week (fun!) so I wanted to give a dedicated “Out of the Box” rather than select a few images. So there will be two “Out of the Box” columns today. Scrolling through these photos and the Black Panther reactions definitely helped make me feel a bit better.  

Plus a couple of other appearances from the Black Panther cast this week. And Happy Black History Month! Technically this red carpet was in January, but this post is in February as is the release of the film. In the color of royalty; a true fashion queen! Lupita Nyong’o is a vision in custom Atelier Versace. The gold metal bodice ups the regal levels and as per stylist Micaela Erlanger “There’s definitely a nod to her warrior character Nakia here, without being costumey. It’s a really glamorous take on our vision and it’s very fierce, certainly.” I would definitely agree with this sentiment. And because Lupita always picks a dress that looks good in motion. Yellow fringe is not an easy look to pull off, but Angela Bassett looks born to wear canary Naeem Khan. Lots of bold gold accessories add to the look, as well as nodding to the heritage that Black Panther celebrates.At the Black Panther junket, Angela Bassett put another fantastic spin on the bold accessory/bold jumpsuit theme. It is going to get a bit much if I keep using the word queen, but Janelle Monáe is serving up the royal dress code in a kufi cap that looks like a crown and tribal inspired necklace. The Christian Siriano gown, complete with ruffled sleeves is perfect for the occasion. Look for more Monáe in the other “Out of the Box” this week. Pleats! You know I have strong feelings about pleats and they are all good. Issa Rae is doing a great job of showing off the colorful aspect of her Rosie Assoulin frock. Danai Gurira brings the ruffled drama in pink and black Viktor & Rolf. Gurira plays Okoye, the head of the Dora Milaje—the all-women secret service agents for Black Panther—and her character isn’t one for wearing frocks (even if she ends up having to wear one). I spoke to costume designer Ruth E. Carter recently and I am looking forward to sharing what she said about the Dora Milaje and the rest of the costumes with you soon.  And at Jimmy Kimmel Live! Gurira wore a fabulous Diane Von Furstenberg red and silver geometric print dress that I now also want to see on The Good FightOne of the main talking points from the early reactions is that Letitia Wright’s Shuri (T’challa’s sister) is a highlight and I cannot wait to see her in action. Wearing a very pretty Bibhu Mohapatra floral gown that is a sheer delight rather than a nightmare.Now to some of the men of the evening; Daniel Kaluuya mixed his Ugandan heritage with his British. Wearing a velvet Burberry blazer over a traditional kanzu is a powerful look.Here comes the king! Chadwick Boseman looks like royalty in gold floral Emporio Armani.David Oyelowo always steps up on the red carpet, this is certainly no different. Wearing traditional African dashiki dress (and wife, Jessica also went strong on the pattern front) paired with Louboutin loafers shows how to mix designer with heritage. A visual feast. What a suit! Bold orange Gucci and Donald Glover continues his fabulous suit reign. Michael B. Jordan’s nod to the African royalty theme is more subtle, but the double-breasted Calvin Klein suit with gold collar tips and another pair of Louboutin loafers to drool over is just as effective.Sterling K. Brown is working that black turtleneck look while wife Ryan Michelle Bathe goes for a short pattern explosion in Kutula. Costume designer Ruth E. Carter showed that she doesn’t just make other people look good. Carter also summed up the vibe of the night to USA Today:

“I was hoping for this. All of the award shows I was watching on TV, I was like, ‘Oh, you wait until Black Panther’ red carpet rolls around. It’s a celebration.”Yara Shahidi’s Etro gown is an ethereal wonder; the embroidery and tassels nod to the occasion as does her natural hair. Shahidi is a regular fixture here and this is a new favorite look.Emily V. Gordon’s metallic Dress the Population frock and t-bar heels is also a new favorite ensemble in an award season filled with great looks. Kumail Nanjiani subtle check suit is bringing the purple. Sequins continue to be big and Cobie Smulders is bang on trend in Markarian.Ending this incredible red carpet event with the man of the hour. Director Ryan Coogler is set to deliver something very special and he nodded to the heritage that was being celebrated through a print scarf. And Taika Waititi went the purple accessories route. Seriously, I am a few days late but I couldn’t not dedicate an entire post to this celebration.

 

 

Best of the 2017 CFDA Fashion Awards Red Carpet

6 Jun

Awards they keep on coming and in New York last night it was time to honor the fashion designers. For a full list of the CFDA Fashion Award recipients head here and below you will find our favorite looks of the night; worn by the stars celebrating the designers who make them look so good.

This includes some award season favorites and other TV Ate My Wardrobe staples. Big trends of the night include a whole lot of shimmer, shades of yellow and ’70s inspiration continuing its recent domination. Award season wasn’t even that long ago, but we’ve missed the presence of Janelle Monáe’s in these parts. Elevating any black and white ensemble and making pretty much anything work including this Christian Siriano half jacket jumpsuit number.

Monáe was honored for her contributions to the Women’s March in February – along with Gloria Steinem and Cecile Richards – and she gave a blistering speech. Part of which you can watch below.

You can read the whole thing here.Rodarte delivers another delightfully eccentric creation and it is far from an easy outfit to pull off, but Gabrielle Union is doing just that.

The 1970s influence continues to be strong in the fashion world, much to my delight and Union’s curls lean into this trend. Bella Hadid in a fabulous fuchsia Off White blazer frock and this is giving me so many Sydney Bristow disguise feelings. I always have a soft spot for Diane Von Furstenberg and this triple offering on Haim is leaning into all the things I love about this brand. Plus stripes and polka dots. I’m not totally feeling these ankle boots, but that is a personal preference thing with white boots (unless they are on Kevin Garvey). Mary Elizabeth Winstead gives off an air of elegance in a chartreuse yellow Lela Rose, switching things up from some of the edgier looks of the night. Also adding some sparkle and a strong berry lip. Two of my favorite things.A metallic Grecian vibe for Lupita Nyong’o in Jason Wu and this dress manages to be both simple and exquisite. A touch of shimmer and Kerry Washington is on point in more ways than one in yellow Atelier Prabal Gurung.

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#cfda

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Kerry Washington also gave great behind the scenes photos and choice of companions. Plus a close-up of Janelle Monáe’s earrings is the icing on the Insta cake.Rounding things off with the delightful Matt Bomer and yes he’s not wearing any socks, which I know can be a deal breaker when it comes to dudes in suits. And asides from some pant crinkles – even dudes need a steam station – this olive Todd Snyder suit is a hit.

Best of the 2017 Met Gala: Go Big or Go Home

2 May

Award season has been over for long enough that I’m once again clamoring for big gowns and fancy attire. The Met Gala is here to answer this call and this year’s exhibit is a celebration of all things Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons and the Art Of The In-Between.

My Comme des Garçons experience is the wedding Cons I wore for the dancing portion of the reception and are now less pristine than they used to be. Walking around New York on honeymoon will do that. But here at the Met it is all about celebrating fashion and as with every theme there are those that get it and those that just want to wear a dress suitable for would the Oscars. The former are far more fun and part 1 of this rundown is focusing on those attendees who are doing just this.Everyone was waiting for Rihanna to show up and before she’d even turned up it was clear that she would win this extravagant event. Wearing a Comme des Garçons creation that is actually in the Met exhibit is one way to be very on theme and this is how you do the Met Gala.

Also a good reminder that Ocean’s 8 is coming in 2018 and its setting is this annual event.Also in Comme des Garçons is Tracee Ellis Ross and everything about this look is incredible; the color, shape and texture is a showstopper. Thank you for coming to play, Tracee.One more Comme des Garçons and co-host Caroline Kennedy wears a creation from the same collection as Rihanna’s giving a snapshot of what other attendees should be aiming for. Priyanka Chopra brought the trench dress drama in Ralph Lauren giving super sexy Columbo vibes. Love the pop sock super stacked heels combo.Like Rihanna, Solange is someone you can count on to lean into the theme and while she’s probably a little on the warm side there is no one else on this red carpet that looks like her. Wearing a custom Thom Browne puffer coat creation complete with train and teetering ice skate platforms.

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One of the best things about the Met Gala is the stair posing (as you will see across both posts) and this is an incredible photo showing why Solange is one of the best at this.

Related because she always gives good Met, but where was SJP? More evidence of the stairs being a vital part of posing at this event and Zendaya brings it in Dolce & Gabbana; she put a bird on it.I am not a fan of the deconstructed shirt trend that is as prominent as that Fendi sweater and yet I am here for Claire Danes in Monse. This is likely a mixture of the Claire Danes goggles I tend to wear and because she is another attendee who pays attention to the theme; remember her light up Zac Posen last year?! Yeah you do. Diddy stole the show with his super casual staircase posing and Cassie looks great in On Aura Tout Vu.Sticking with her signature black and white palette and once again delivering something different is Janelle Monáe in custom Ralph and Russo. I’ve gone for a close-up shot because the detail of the gown and feathered neckline is too good to see from afar. Stunning hair styling from Nikki Nelms and she had a busy night crafting looks for Monáe, Solange and Zoë Kravitz.Thandie Newton works the theme with a floral headpiece and while I am not in love with her Monse gown (and red was very much on trend in a somewhat obvious way) her accessorizing is on point.I’m always going to be in love with a sparkly Chanel ladysuit and Cara Delevigne’s super metallic look would’ve been perfect for last year’s “Manus x Machina.” But as with Thandie Newton she has gone for it head wise and the whole silver painted hair is mesmerizing.

Cara also always gets Met bonus points for my fave ever Reese video.Kerry Washington in Michael Kors could also be remiss for looking to last year’s Met, but the patchwork element is great and she is serving Comme des Garçon influenced hair.Everything about Cynthia Erivo’s Thom Browne ensemble would’ve been perfect for the French portion of Outlander and this is the level the Met Gala needs too.I was going to lament that Ruth Negga wasn’t there as somehow she didn’t show up on my TL last night and I have no idea why as this Valentino is another Negga stunner.

(Oh hey Dominic Cooper standing off in the background. BTW I am excited for season 2 of Preacher)Particularly when you factor in the print on the back. She gets it.

Head here for more from the Met.

Out of the Box: Look of the Week

3 Mar

Award season has come to a close and every year it seems to get longer and longer. But I’m okay with that as it gives us plenty to talk about at TV Ate My Wardrobe. Before you know it there will be Emmy roundtable discussions occurring.

First we have the best of the post-Oscars looks from the Vanity Fair party including several switched outfits from the main show so they can party without worrying about anyone stepping on their train. There are also a couple of FX premieres and a flaming hot ad campaign to keep us busy. viola-davisSwitching from the stunning red Armani gown for a fantastic Brandon Maxwell white ladysuit and Stella McCartney platform shoes, which are probably way more comfy than stacked heels. Love this entire look and Viola Davis crushed both her sartorial choices. The Oscar also looks pretty great.emma-stoneI liked, but didn’t love Emma Stone’s gold embroidered Givenchy Art Deco adjacent gown for the main ceremony, which is why I didn’t include it in my gown rundown. But it is a very different story for this second Givenchy ensemble and this slip/blazer combo is giving me so many mid-90s feelings. This outfit is far from fancy enough for the main event and yet it is ideal for celebrating the big win without worrying about delicate beading of her first gown.

This is something I’ve spoken about in previous post-awards discussion as I love a good behind the scenes getting ready diary and Emma Stone did this one for Vogue with her makeup artist Rachel Goodwin. So many Nars products I now want in my makeup bag.ruth-negga

As with Viola Davis, Ruth Negga scored a double style win on Sunday night switching from dreamy red Valentino into a glitzy Oscar De La Renta. While the spill fear is high with all three of these dress changes – so much white – they all make a whole lot of sense in the ‘not having to worry about anyone stepping on the bottom of their dress’ thing.mindy-kalingMindy Kaling gives great floral in floor length Naeem Khan at the VF party and I’m feeling all set for spring (the rain that is pouring down also might have something to do with this).jon-hammJon Hamm in a tux is never not great.janelle-monaeA post Spirit Awards/pre Oscars night out for Janelle Monáe attending a Chanel party in West Hollywood and stepping outside her signature black and white zone in a very sparkly Chanel tuxedo dress. All the heart eyes for this outfit choice, lipstick and how much Monáe has lit up TV Ate My Wardrobe during award season.sarah-paulsonNow award season is over it is time to switch the focus back to all the good TV that is premiering in March and April. Sarah Paulson is back on a Ryan Murphy project and at the Feud premiere she looks the retro part in vintage gingham Valentino. keri-russell-and-matthew-rhysFX is having quite the premiere week and at The Americans season 5 event Keri Russell does super sexy ladysuit in lace Gucci and Matthew Rhys mixes casual cool in Rag & Bone (NYFW pays off). Russell’s makeup artist Tina Turnbow gives another fabulous behind the scenes getting ready photo diary and as I mention above I love these extra red carpet details. Also I can’t resist all that eyeliner.

The Americans returns next week (Tuesday, March 7) and you can read my interview with costume designer Katie Irish here.mahershala-aliSeveral of the Moonlight cast were wearing Calvin Klein on Sunday night and after seeing shots on the Calvin Klein Instagram I figured a campaign was imminent; in fact it was out by the time I hit post. These images kept popping up on my Twitter TL all Monday and each time there was a whole lot of face fanning. You can see more of this campaign here and this one of Oscar winning actor Mahershala Ali is a good place to start.

Best of the 2017 Oscars Red Carpet: The Gowns

27 Feb

Staying up late was worth it for the drama and I am so pleased Moonlight won Best Picture even if it went down that way. This is also why these posts are going up much later because – confession time – my phone was plugged in to charge, but the charger was not and so my alarm didn’t go off. I am much more rested than I would’ve been so hopefully this will be all the better for it.

In terms of Academy Award red carpets this one wasn’t as good in terms of quantity of amazing gowns, but in terms of quality there are some big hitters and here are my favorites.

Head here for the best of the guys in suits.viola-davisViola Davis not only gave one of the most powerful speeches of the night when she picked up Best Supporting Actress for Fences, but she is also crushing it in red Armani. This is how you do a nominee (and winner) dress and the overall styling is incredible.

ruth-neggaRuth Negga was a very early arrival and she kicked off the best dressed in a stunning red Valentino. The ACLU ribbon was worn by many at the Oscars and because of the ACLU’s role in the Supreme Court case that features in Loving it makes this more than just a gesture about today’s political climate.

As I mentioned yesterday Negga was on my highly anticipated list as she has crushed award season and this look by stylist Karla Welch is another winner. Love the hairpiece detail and dark lipstick.taraji-p-hensonVelvet has been bang on trend and Taraji P. Henson makes me want to sing a song as this midnight blue Alberta Ferretti is both super sexy and glamorous. brie-larsonBlack doesn’t have to be boring and Brie Larson’s Oscar De La Renta shows how you can serve up classic drama with a twist. Great red lipstick too.kirsten-dunstGreat black dresses part two; Kirsten Dunst in Dior and the fact that it has pockets means this dress earns even more points.kirsten-dunst-and-jesse-plemonsBonus Dunst from the Spirit Awards because I didn’t see this yesterday and I couldn’t pass up the opportunity of this adorable newly engaged couple photo.isabelle-huppertMore Armani and Isabelle Huppert is an ethereal delight in another very cool (still trying not to say chic) and this time sparkly choice. Dark red lipstick is one makeup trend I was more than pleased to see on many last night. janelle-monaeJanelle Monáe sticks with her signature palette and goes big in an embroidered Elie Saab Couture gown. And she put a bird on it. On Twitter I mentioned that this would not have looked out of place in some of the Paris scenes in Outlander last season and I stick with that.cynthia-erSome dresses were made for moments like these and standing out against this impressive backdrop is Cynthia Erivo in floral Paolo Sebastian.michelle-and-busyRounding things up on the gowns front with the best besties and while I was a little underwhelmed by Michelle Williams’ Louis Vuitton number it was different to see her in a plunging gown. Also her hair/face look fantastic. Busy Philipps goes dark green velvet in Elizabeth Kennedy (another Karla Welch choice) and they look great together as always.

Busy Philipps also continues to be the gift that keeps on giving on Instagram with bathroom selfies:

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Obligatory bathroom selfie.

A post shared by Busy Philipps (@busyphilipps) on

And also real time reactions to the envelope mix up on her Instagram stories. Forever faves.

Best of the 2017 Film Independent Spirit Awards Red Carpet

26 Feb

The Film Independent Spirit Awards are the soothing beachside afternoon jaunt we all need before the hustle and bustle of the Oscars; this is always one of my favorite red carpets of the year.

The outfits tend to be a little more on the chilled out and playful side with both pattern and color out in strong force and while I love the dramatic glamour of the Oscars this is much more my speed. Plus the dudes in suits tend to step out of the usual classic comfort zone and this year is no different.

And you get an incredible opening monologue like this one:

It’s strange seeing John Mulaney and Nick Kroll out of their Gil and George costumes after so many months of Oh, Hello.

Now for the best looks of the afternoon.janelle-monaeJanelle Monáe gives another lesson in how to wear black and white on every red carpet and keep things interesting. This time it is Salvatore Ferragamo and I’m digging those coat slung over the shoulders vibes. Great lipstick as per and as I said on Friday, Monáe is one my Oscar most anticipated.ruth-negga-and-colin-firthAnother person who has been a big awards sartorial presence is Ruth Negga and she is also very much on the anticipated list.

Accompanied by super handsome Loving producer Colin Firth going for the no tie/open button option and Negga is stunning in dramatic floral Delpozo.ava-duvernayFlying in from filming A Wrinkle in Time in New Zealand (as well documented on Instagram by Mindy Kaling and Reese Witherspoon) is Ava DuVernay and this patterned Gucci number ticks so many boxes; pleats, botanicals, fabulous collar.naomie-harrisMulticolor patchwork Chanel for Naomie Harris and I love everything about this look except for the random bit of lace that looks like someone accidentally forgot to cut it off. Don’t be the Topshop school of somehow adding lace or tulle to things that don’t need them.taraji-p-hensonMullet dresses are very much hit or miss for me and Taraji P. Henson’s ethereal Giambattista Valli happily falls into the first category. The slightly windy conditions add some drama and those gold Jimmy Choo sandals are fabulous.nasim-pedradEntering mini dress territory with Nasim Pedrad in textured green florals.aubrey-plazaAubrey Plaza is a regular on this Spirit Awards rundown and the best thing about this is she takes a very different approach each time. Here she has taken a page out of the Janelle Monáe clashing black and white patterns book in a somewhat ’60s trippy Versus Versace top and skirt. Bonus lipstick points too.isabelle-huppertLooking cool as ever – this time in Chloé – and with the award for best actress to boot is Isabelle Huppert and I wonder if she will repeat this win tonight against Emma Stone.jon-hamm-edgar-ramirez-and-jenny-slateJenny Slate is in a handsome men in suits sandwich with Jon Hamm and Edgar Ramirez. Love her choice of Luisa Beccaria pleats and halter for this seaside venue. mahershala-aliNew dad Mahershala Ali continued his fabulous suit streak and the best thing about this is the red shoes he paired it with.

And I am finally seeing Moonlight this afternoon and this has been a very good movie watching weekend. trevante-rhodesKeeping the suave Moonlight cast score high is Trevante Rhodes in a double-breasted grey number paired with oxblood shoes.jaden-piner-and-alex-r-hibbertMore Moonlight and bonus delightful kids alert as Jaden Piner leans casual whereas Alex R. Hibbert does the tuxedo thing (but keeps things chill in white Vans).aldis-hodgeMy favorite suit of the day and Hidden Figures’ Aldis Hodge is giving great mixed patterns. The pocket square/pin/tie details give this three piece suit ensemble the edge over everyone else.viggoI saw rumblings on Twitter the other day that there might be a Casey Affleck upset tonight and that Viggo might be the reason. Regardless of whether he does win the Oscar, he looks great here in burgundy.david-oyelowoDavid Oyelowo had one of my favorite looks at the 2015 Spirit Awards in a knockout blue suit and this year he’s gone for something a little more subdued, but still just as stylish and his tie delivers a splash of color.nick-kroll-and-john-mulaneyAs I mentioned above it is going to take a little bit of time getting used to John Mulaney and Nick Kroll out of their Gil and George costumes/makeup. This is a good start and along with a hilarious and blistering monologue they both look fabulous.annette-beningEnding things on a super smiley Annette Bening looking cool as fuck in a black turtleneck. I saw 20th Century Women yesterday and it was everything I hoped it would be and more. This post has been written to Talking Heads because of this movie.

Come back tomorrow for plenty more red carpet posts.

Julie Hammerle

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