Getting ready for the RED

GETTING READY FOR THE RED

If you think that getting ready for a red carpet is easy, well…NO.

The production of a final look to match the elegance and excitement of the event includes a long list of people who are sometimes hardly noticed: hair stylists, hair colorists, make-up artists, fashion stylists, nail technicians and artists, skilled seamstresses, tailors, shoemakers, etc..

They all work with the concepts of the fashion stylist and they try to deliver a vision that is hard to describe until the actual look is finished and the client is ready to hit the red carpet…So, trusting your fashion stylist is vital to a successful delivery.

The whole process starts with the ‘consultation’.

If you are a socialite or have a busy social calendar, it is also necessary for the stylist to know what you wore in previous years (if there were previous years.) In this case, the producer and some PR companies sent a list with what the nominees are wearing and which designers and collections you cannot pick from, so you have to start the process quite early!

Paying attention to this long list of questions that will help the stylist to achieve your needs/wants….

– What is most comfortable? What catches your attention in fashion? Which trends do you like and would like to wear? (bearing in mind that not all trends look good on everyone)  What kind of shoes are comfortable for you? Do you like transparency or full body? Do you like your hair up or down?  Can you use full make-up? Do you want to wear anything in particular that is already yours? Are you allergic to anything?

…and so on…so all those variables are taken into consideration and then the real process of finding the right look starts!

So, considering these questions, this is how I handled this recent experience.

I was called to give a hand to Dr. Bruce Etkin and his wife Mrs. Micheline Etkin, who attend “The Hollywood Foreign Association” annual gala, which we know as “The Annual Golden Globe Awards” in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles on January 13/2013. This couple is a testament of style and good taste, so creating the right look which captured and expanded on their already exceptional style was not an easy task.

Dr. Etkin is a renown dentist who has served on several boards and been involved in many fundraisers in town – while his wife, Ms. Etkin is a Founding Member of the Advisory Council of the “Cardon Children’s Medical Center“. Last year, she co-chaired the annual Gala, “The Stars of the Season” that took place at the “Montelucia Resort & Spa” in Scottsdale, Arizona.  She is also a Honorary Member of  PANDA (People Acting Now Discovering Answers) that is a Phoenix Women’s Board’s mission is to support discovery processes that lead to improved treatments and cures for devastating childhood diseases.

She is also a sign model for The Agency Arizona and, her social appearances are multiple and constant; the tricky and interesting part for me is that she is a dear friend.  Her latest endeavor is a  “Virtual Headshot” by the hand of talented photographer Ms. Michele Lee Photography  where Mrs. Etkin shows her true persona and elegance.

So the responsibility to help style something wonderful was amplified more!

The pictures below show a part of the process, and some of the options she liked the most.

In the end, we selected the gown that she felt fulfilled all of her needs for current trends, comfort, style…and BLACK. The geometry of the design we chose accented her fantastic silhouette using a sexy sheer trend this year – and coincidentally was designed by one of her favorite fashion designers, Mr. Emilio Pucci (by Neiman Marcus – Couture Department in Scottsdale, Arizona.)

The necklace and matching earrings she styled at the red carpet have a market value of approx. $500,000 US, are made of 345 carats of “Golden Beryl” (Golden Emeralds) which took about three years for the jewelers of “Louis XV ” to produce. Golden Emeralds are originally from Brazil and on this particular setting, each diamond is surrounded by 15 carats of favorite garnets, accenting the shape and edging of each of the links. Ms. Etkin is originally from Brazil, making this a perfect personal touch to her look.

Interesting to note that in reality, if you consider the jewelry, putting this look together for this year took about three years… planning fashion can be along process.  Start when you know about the event or when you get the “save the date” or the “invitation” – or as soon as you can.

Here are some of my recommendations/tips or maybe…reminders (if not your first time) when getting ready to a red carpet appearance:

– Be true to your style, if you do not have experience. Last you want is to wear something uncomfortable and be fidgeting during the event.

– Not everyone knows how to wear a gown with a train or with a corset or with a bodice or with crinoline to the floor. If you decide to do so, practice at home as it painful to watch a poor lady trying to wrestle with her gown in the crowd – and people will notice.  (Keep the length of the hem shy 1” above the front of your shoe – that is the secret – also, make sure to ask for a loop on the train so you are able to hand it on your thumb and lift it off the floor.)

– Use your shoes a day or two before make sure you can wear them and they are not too tight. Make sure the sole is somewhat used  and roughed-up (use sandpaper  or a cheese grater to grade it a little if the shoe sole is leather)

– Do not go all crazy with color. Start with the classics tones; Black, Brown, Navy Blue, White, Red, and modification of these on hues. (if you are brave…then try the latest trends, but make the silhouette one that flatters your body!)

– Sequins are spectacular and give lots of radiance. Make sure they are sewn properly when you buy the garment. Keep some thread and links on your purse just in case.

– Try the garment a few days before the event – and after you eat a meal…in case it is too tight to your body. Try to sit while in the dress, move as you were dancing, etc…it is an investment in this one night and you want to enjoy it, and not worry about how to manage a huge garment, a zipper that broke, a hairdo that is falling apart, an earring that you lost, the loop of your shoe that does not tie anymore…etc… If it is too tight, consider some additional alterations and talk with your tailor about any tricks they may have up their sleeves (but that is another story).

– As is suggested by Mrs. Etkin; “please, please, please… always take a picture of yourself in your gown or  with the entire ensamble…Take as many as you are able, or ask someone to take different angles and pictures of you, that will give you an idea of how you look to the lens of a photo camera and a professional photographer; then, make a decision”.

The season just started, so stay tuned for more in-depth tips and recommendations…

So, whether you decide to style yourself or find a stylist and have fun, the red carpet is a runway opportunity not to lose!

Dr. “Bruce Etkin & Mrs. “Michelin Etkin” arrive to the Red Carpet at theBeverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills to attend the 70th HFPS (The Hollywood Foreign Press Association) Annual Golden Globe Awards 2013 Gala.

The necklace and matching earrings she styled at the red carpet have a market value of approx. $500,000 US, are made of 345 carats of “Golden Beryl” (Golden Emeralds) which took about three years for the jewelers of “Louis XV ” to produce. Golden Emeralds are originally from Brazil and on this particular setting, each diamond is surrounded by 15 carats of favorite garnets, accenting the shape and edging of each of the links. Ms. Etkin is originally from Brazil, making this a perfect personal touch to her look.
http://www.bylouis.com

The final choice of gown was rich in accents of gold and stones to play off the necklace. This handbag, designed by “Judith Lieber” had just the right scale and proportion needed to add to the look, while not standing out – plus the clutch has a wild pattern which is one of Ms. Etkin’s favorites.

Mrs. Micheline Etkin  on the Red Carpet for 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards –  2013  (front)

Mrs. Etkin on the Red Carpet for 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards –  2013  (back)

CREDITS;

Mrs. Micheline Etkin

Dress; Emilio Pucci (by Neiman Marcus)

Jewelry; Golden & Green Diamonds by “Louis XV “,  located in Phoenix, AZ

The necklace and matching earrings she styled at the red carpet have a market value of approx. $500,000 US, are made of 345 carats of “Golden Beryl” (Golden Emeralds) which took about three years for the jewelers of “Louis XV ” to produce. Golden Emeralds are originally from Brazil and on this particular setting, each diamond is surrounded by 15 carats of favorite garnets, accenting the shape and edging of each of the links. Ms. Etkin is originally from Brazil, making this a perfect personal touch to her look.

Interesting to note that in reality, if you consider the jewelry, putting this look together for this year took about three years.

Shoes; Jimmy Choo. Toes pick black suede

Shrug; Black Mink by Neiman Marcus private Collection (not shown)

Clutch; Judith Lieber Privee – (diamond pave on animal print pattern)

Style; Oscar De las salas – “O Productions” ©

Dr. Bruce Etkin

Jacket; Hugo Boss

Pants; Hugo Boss

Vest; Oscar de La Renta 

Shirt; Hugo Boss

Cufflinks; gold by H Stern 

Watch; Baume & Mercier 

Glasses; Prada

Shoes; owner’s collection

Style; Oscar De las salas – “O Productions” ©

Photography; Victoria Schiafino ©

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