VERSACE'S CROWNING GLORY!!!

Last night's SAG Awards, Hilary Swank wowed the crowd wearing a Grecian goddess inspired dress from Versace. The house is known for its sexy and sultry looks. Hilary's personality added a touch of femininity to her beige dress. The hair and make-up was perfect. She paired her polished look with a gold minaudiere. She was glowing. It seemed like she just came from a relaxing vacation in the Greek Isles. She has been wearing Versace for many years. She knows how to pull the dress off. For me, she was the best dressed actress in last night's event.

Congratulation to Lucio of Versace for giving the house honor. He is Donatella's right hand when it comes to celebrity dressing. Because of him and his connections, Versace has been all over the red carpet awards. I am very proud of you my dear friend. Bravo!!!

KIMBERLY'S MOMENT!!!

Last night's SAG Awards was fun to watch. I love how the actors gave their speeches when they won the award. It is an honor for them to receive this recognition. Their fellow actors cast their votes and choose the best of the best. Hilary Swank and Amy Adams were the best dressed for last night's event. Hilary looked amazing in a pale beige dress from the house of Versace. On the other hand, Amy Adams wore an Herve Leroux creation in white. What do they have in common? They were wearing Kimberly McDonald jewerly. I am very proud of Kimberly for having the right placement with these actresses. Her jewelry is a work of art. I know she is celebrating for this glorious victory for her team. The Oscars are near and I am hoping that she gets more recognition. Bravo.

HILARY SWANK

AMY ADAMS

GAULTIER'S VERSION OF A COUTURE COAT!!!

For Spring 2011, Jean Paul Gaultier presented a punk couture show. I have never seen a sharp and vixen like trench coat for this collection. After his split with the house of Hermes, he got fired up and got his groove back. He is a master tailor in his own right. He gets his inspirations from different cultures of the world. The punk era of London came back to life in this modern approach. He makes it fun and exciting for his followers to purchase more of his creations. I believe Jean Paul Gaultier is at his best in showing jaw dropping clothes in the world of Haute Couture. Like Galliano, his vision is unstoppable.

On top of that, his prices are not as offensive like the other designers. His passion in creating clothes made him who he is today.

CHAMPIONSHIP POINT!!!

I woke up at 3AM this morning to watch the women's final of the Australian Open. Li Na of China is the first Asian woman to reach the finals of any grand slam event. Belgian Kim Clijsters is a tough opponent to beat. Li Na won the Sydney Open prior to this grand slam event. This time, Clijsters grabbed the trophy. Li Na took the first set 6-3. There was big turn around in the 2nd and 3rd set. Kim got her groove back and was hitting forehand and backhand winners. She proved to her opponent and to the world that she was the better player. In the end, she won the tournament 6-3 3-6 3-6.

Congratulations Kim for doing a spectacular job.

NEW BLOOD!!!

Today, The Fashion Group International held its 14th Annual luncheon at Cipriani's on 42nd street to award up and coming talents in the fashion industry. Categories were divided into groups: womenswear, menswear, costume and fine jewelry, home, and others. Young and talented Cuban American designer Fabiola Arias grabbed the womenswear award. I was not able to attend the luncheon in support of my friend because of a meeting. As soon as I found out, I called and congratulated her. She told me that she did not have any speech prepared. Yaz Hernandez introduced me to this lovely lady last year. She wears Fabiola's clothes fit for a MUSE. I am glad that YAZ made the introduction. I am a big supporter of her designs. Her work is ART. Everything is done by hand. I know she will be doing so many wonders in the industry. In the long run, I consider her as family. Congratulations to you FABIOLA!!! You make us all PROUD.

To order her fabulous creations, email her at fabiola@fabiolaarias.com.

WOZNIACKI'S CHANCE!!!

As easy as it seems, it is hard to be on center stage. The number 1 player in the world Caroline Wozniacki showed her best against China's Li Na. Wozniacki wearing Stella McCartney for Adidas tried all the shots she could possibly hit. She took the first set 6-3. In the second set, she almost claimed the match. She had a couple of unforced errors. I thought she'd win the game, but I was wrong. The third set was crucial. Li Na was hitting like a pro. She was hungry to win the match. Wozniacki had a couple of chances to break back, but her shots were not working. In the end, the Chinese claimed a spot at the finals for the Australian Open.

I know the Wozniacki team did their best. The pressure is on Caroline for being number one in the world. At 20, she has all the skills and power to claim trophies in all the slams. I am not an expert in tennis, I believe she has to go to the net more and charge. In the end, her team did a spectacular job.

COUTURE IS DIOR!!!

John Galliano is one of the greatest designers of our time. He brought the house of DIOR to a different level... MODERN. Galliano paid homage to Mr. Dior's fashion illustrator Rene Gruau. The archives of the house are RICH in heritage. Thus, he produced an impeccable collection.For his couture collection for Spring, he showed every detail in each garment. Women want to feel SEXY, STRONG, POWERFUL, and BEAUTIFUL. If I had all the money each season to buy couture, I'd go to DIOR and buy everything on the runway. When you walk in a room wearing Galliano's pieces, people will stop, look, stare, and gossip about the clothes you are wearing. Isn't it amazing?

Shades of burgundy, red, beige, magenta, pink, gray, yellow, green, black, and purple were the dominant colors for this collection. With Orlando Pita and Pat McGrath's on his side, his vision was made into reality.

It proves to show that Galliano is the MASTER OF COUTURE.

THE MEN OF VERSACE!!!

With Martyn Bal as the latest addition to the house of Versace, Donatella is on the right track. Keeping the spirit of the house alive is a difficult task. With the European economy not doing so well, Donatella has to think of a different approach on how people will receive the men's line with open arms. This season, the two collaborated on creating a collection fit for jet set traveling. The silhouettes are close to the body.

Shades of cobalt blue, black, gray, and camel were the dominant colors for the collection. There were leather pants and jackets that are to die for. A hint of NEW WAVE was injected in the collection in the form of PRINTS on suits, jackets, and sweaters.

I believe this is a VERY GOOD direction for the house. Donatella found a GREAT Co-captain to help her steer the wheel of Versace to the right path.

SPLASHES OF COLOR AT ANN DEMEULEMEESTER

For many years, Ann Demeulemeester has a loyal following . She and Dries Van Noten own their companies... Amazing. They do not advertise because they have an individualistic approach in fashion. Every time you wear her pieces, you have your own identity. She is the MASTER of INDIVIDUALISM.

She is one of those designers who influenced fashion in Gothic Chic Style. When everybody follows a trend, she sticks to her formula... form fitting clothes. Black is her main color in every collection. This season, she added bright reds, blues, and shades of orange. I am happy to see color in her collection. Is this the other side of Ann that we haven't seen? The whole collection is HER. The secret to her success is being TRUE to her designs. She knows her CLIENTS very well.

BLIZZARD SNEAKERS- GIVENCHY!!!

Ricardo Tisci revamped the house of Givenchy. He brought the house into a new level... Gothic Chic. For Fall 2011, the symbol of the dark side of his vision for the house is the Rottweiler. I am a dog lover, but I am not a BIG FAN of this type of breed... It creeps me out. Too much watching of Devil movies gave me the fear of this creature. The collection he presented was not his best. On the other hand, the sneakers on the runway... AMAZING. The thigh high sneakers are the answer to any blizzard in New York, Paris, Italy, and London. The thick white soles are the perfect grip on icy weather conditions. Who says you cannot be chic during the cold weather? I hope these shoes will make it to the stores this coming September. I can't wait to have them.

PRADA'S STATEMENT SHOES FOR SPRING 2011!!!

I got my denim spike shoes from Christian Louboutin from Mystery Man. I picked it up last week, but I am still debating whether I'd exchange it for Prada's Spring 2011 lace up shoes with jute soles. I just wanted something different. I asked my shoe guy from Barneys and he told me that it will be hitting stores in a couple of weeks. Well! Patience is a virtue. I can't wait to pair it up with crop pants, Liberty London buttoned down shirt, braided Etro belt, and tote from Lanvin. On top of that, I will be needing a new pair of Oliver Peoples sunglasses. It is freezing in New York, but I am dreaming of my Spring outfit right now. Working in fashion makes you want to update every accessories in my closet. Definitely, I can make it happen.

GUCCI TURNS 90

For Fall 2011, Frida Giannini presented a very strong collection for the house of Gucci. After a couple of years at Gucci, Frida established her own image. The entire collection sets you back in Gucci's glory days in the 70s. The house is known for ultra luxurious ready-to-wear and accessories. The clients of the brand love to jet set around the world in style.

Shades of brown, gray, black, cranberry, blue, camel, beige, mauve, mocha were the dominant colors for Fall 2011. Luxurious furs and exotic skin in crocodile and ostrich summed up the theme of Frida's vision for the house. Gucci has been in the business for 90 years. Her reference to the golden archives of Gucci showcased a strong and polished collection.

For me, this is the BEST collection I have seen during Milan Fashion Week.

Bravo!

BREATHTAKING RUINS 3- CAMBODIA

More pictures of my recent trip to the kingdom of Cambodia. I had such a great time with my friend Marlon de Mesa. You should book a flight and experience the wonders of the city of Siem Reap.