88th Academy Awards - Fashion Dreams

     

Gucci Fall/Winter 2016, Milan Runway

The Academy Awards equate to Christmas morning for fashion lovers and it is the biggest red carpet of the year. Everyone watching wants to be wowed and left thinking of couture gowns. Personally, I am hoping that this year there are a lot of contenders for best dressed and the we do not see any horrific red carpet gown that are a shoe in for worst dressed.  Having said that, we know there will be fashion standouts, both good and bad, at the 2016 Oscars. In keeping with tradition, the Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress nominees will be the ones to watch, as fashion lovers crave beautiful gowns more than tuxedos, due to their unique ability to move us emotionally.                                                                                                         
Like many of you, I have a wish-list of gowns I would love to see on the red carpet at this year's Oscars. Here are some of the nominees, and what I would style them in, if given the chance.

The Gucci gown (above right), which was shown on the runway during Milan Fashion Week, and would be a fabulous choice for Rooney Mara, who is nominated this year for Actress in a Supporting Role for her work in Carol.  Rooney loves to wear black on the red carpet, and this gown is a MUST for the biggest awards show of the year.  Both edgy and feminine, it is the perfect fit for Rooney and I think she would rock it!  See some of her recent looks below:

Rooney Mara: Recent Red Capet Looks (pic courtesy InStyle)

Nominated for her first Oscar, Brie Larson is up against an amazingly talented group of women with her nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture for her role in Room.  If you haven't seen this film, check out the trailer here.  I have a strong feeling that her first nomination will garner a win for Brie, as her performance is more than stand-out; It is incredible. 

Brie Larson: Recent Red Carpet Looks  (pic courtesy InStyle)

McQueen, Pre-Fall 2016

     

Marchesa, Pre-Fall 2016 

Larson can wear just about anything, but it would be refreshing to see something really glamorous and unique on her for her first Oscars Red Carpet, especially since she is a favorite to win. Larson needs to go big, with a print or something bold, unique, and modern.  To the left and rightI have found two looks that she could definitely pull off and win on the Red Carpet along with her Oscar win. The Alexander McQueen printed gown, lined properly, would draw attention and would be a very polarizing look.  The Marchesa gown is very feminine, and would need perfect makeup, hair and very little accessorizing.

Finally, we have Cate Blanchett, who is nominated for Best Actress in a motion picture for Carol. Cate knows how to work a red carpet like a queen.  She has been nominated six times for an Oscar and has won twice, so far. Below are some of her most memorable looks.

Cate  Blanchett, Red Carpet Looks, (pics courtesy thegloss.com)

Gigi Hadid in Chanel Haute Couture 2016

My favorite looks on Cate are nudes, blush and light colors, because she always has her hair and makeup on-point, and pulls off the "goddess of the carpet" so well.  For the 2016 Oscars, I would love to put her in something elegant and classy, that is also flattering.  I also love Chanel.  The look to the right, if custom made for Cate and maybe even full length, would make my night.  I can't wait to see what she decides to wear!

There are so many gowns and so many talented women nominated, and I only had time to dream about looks for three! Please follow my blog for updates on best and worst dressed at this year's Oscars, and more.  

Get ready for the 88th Academy Awards.  There will be so much fashion on that carpet, it will be hard to keep up.  I will have a poll for the best-dressed and worst-dressed following the awards.

Love Fashion, Film and T.V. Talk?  FOLLOW me here on Google+, LIKE me on Facebook and FOLLOW me on Twitter @filmfashionista.  I will follow back!

To see a complete list of the nominees, go to oscars.go.com.

photo credit:  Instyle Magazine, thegloss.com, Chanel, Gucci, Marchesa, Alexander McQueen, Google Images, Getty Images

Grace of Monaco: A Fashionable Film Set in the 1960's

No Official U.S. Release Date - Yet

About the Film

Set in the early 1960's, Grace of Monaco tells the story of Grace Kelly (portrayed by Nicole Kidman) and her life with and marriage to Prince Rainier III (portrayed by Tim Roth).  The film has already been released in France and many other European countries, but no U.S. release date has been set as of the publishing of this post.  The screenplay was written by Arash Amel, who also wrote the screenplay for Rampage, and is currently working on I Am Legend 2.  

Grace of Monaco is directed by French director Olivier Dahan, best known for La Vie en Rose (2007) starring Marion Cotillard, who won many awards for her role in the film, including the Oscar for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role and the Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical.  Dahan's previous success shows he has the chops to do well in the U.S. with a film; but how will this one do?  Reviews overseas, especially after its release at the Cannes Film Festival, have been anything but positive. 

The Fashion - Oh, Yes!

  
There are perks to the film, however, that cannot be taken away, no matter how critics of the story feel, or how much stir it may be causing.  For instance, Gigi Lepage will be the lead fashion designer for Grace of Monaco. Grace Kelly, who went from Hollywood actress to a real Princess, was a beautiful woman.   

Princess Grace (left), Nicole Kidman (right)

Nicole Kidman as Princess Grace

Nicole Kidman is sure to be wearing some incredible 1960's-style designs and the film will have some fantastic fashion moments.  Lepage has designed for many French films of different genres, and she was the personal costume designer to Catherine Deneuve in The Musketeer (2001).  With Grace Kelly, Princess of Monaco, as her muse and Kidman as her model, the looks will be many and should be stunning.

Grace Kelly the Actress

Grace Kelly Receives Oscar for "The Country Girl"

Who will not love a story about Grace Kelly? Born in 1929, she went on to become one of the most beautiful and, well, graceful actresses Hollywood has ever known.  Kelly won the Golden Globe for Mogambo (1953), and was nominated for the Oscar for the role, as well.  She then starred in Alfred Hitchcock's Dial M for Murder (1954), and was nominated for a BAFTA award, among several other awards.  Kelly won the Oscar and the Golden Globe for The Country Girl (1954), and also won several awards for her role in Hitchcock's Rear Window (1954).  She was Hollywood's "it" girl in the 1950's and rose to fame quickly; she received her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in February of 1960.  Grace Kelly was fascinating, and would have been a catch for any man.

Grace Kelly met Prince Rainier III of Monaco in 1955, and in 1956 they were married.  Together they had three children.  In a tragic turn of events, the Princess was in a car accident in 1982 after her car went off a steep embankment.  It is believed she suffered a stroke, which was the cause of the accident.  She died from her injuries at the young age of 52.  Her youngest child was in the car, but only had minor injuries and recovered. 

The Trailer & What to Expect

The UK trailer for Grace of Monaco indicates that we can expect to see some drama and conflict in the life of the Princess of Monaco, including an internal struggle with desires to return to her former Hollywood life.  While many will never know the whole, true story (what goes on behind closed doors normally stays there), and this is more than likely a spin on the real story, it is still intriguing for many and will be filled with great fashion moments.  Americans, I think, will find this story more interesting to watch than those who have previewed it so far - the American fascination with royals and their lifestyles is unceasing, and when it comes to this film, it should be no different.

Kidman does favor the actress in some ways:  porcelain skin, blonde hair (in the film) and she carries herself with poise and grace.  Perhaps some have been so critical of the story itself that they have not looked deeper into the biopic to see it for a bit more; the portrayal of a glorious life that all girls dream of: fame to royalty.  Yet through all that, nothing is always what it seems, and nothing is ever perfect.  Even those with extreme fame and royal lives can end up with unhappy endings, even tragic ones. 

Watch the official U.K. trailer here:  

Below are a couple of other looks (Kidman as Princess Grace) from the film that are eye-catching and completely reminiscent of the Princess.  The elegance and the 60's vibe and hairstyles are enough for me to see the film and probably love it - even though the almost 46-year old Kidman is much too old to be playing the spectacularly vibrant, 30ish Grace Kelly of the late 50's and early 60's. 

Share your thoughts on the fashion in the trailer and the pictures.  Do you plan to see the film?  I hope you will follow me if you love fashion in film and television.  

The Film Fashionista 

Rated PG-13 or R (TBD) for Thematic Material, Sexual Content, Brief Language, and Some Unsettling Images 

103 Mins.

 

pictures courtesy of vintagerox.me, movieinsider.com, imdb.com

movie, actor and director information courtesy of imdb.com 

Grace Kelly/Princess Grace of Monaco biography information courtesy of bio.com and imdb.com

My Very First Liebster Award Nomination

The Liebster Award

1. The Liebster Award is given by bloggers to bloggers  who have less than 200 followers. 
2. Each blogger should post 11 random facts about themselves. 
3. Each blogger should answer the 11 questions given to you.
4.  Choose 11 new bloggers to pass the award on to and   link them in your post.
5.  Create 11 new questions for the bloggers.
6.  Go back to their page and tell them about the award.
7.  No tag backs.

Many, many thanks to Lucresia Strange (A Moot Point) for nominating me for the Liebster Award!  It is so wonderful to know that there is someone out there reading my blog, and this token of appreciation and the support feels great.  Follow Lucresia’s blog; she is a fantastic writer and never disappoints!

11 Random Facts About Me 

1. I am married to an amazing man; I have two children – a boy and a girl – both grown, and two grandsons.  These are the first loves of my life!
2. I have a Yorkie-Poo named Sadie and she is like my baby.  She loves me unconditionally, and I her.  Needless to say, she is a member of the family.
3. I believe in showing up fashionably late; it is never a bad thing to make an entrance. 
4. I have lived in the U.S., Hawaii, and Germany, but now reside in the U.S.  I love to travel, especially taking cruises

   

   Judy Garland as Dorothy

   as of late, but in the words of Judy Garland (as Dorothy) in The Wizard of Oz, “There’s no place like home.” 
5. I spent my 1st anniversary in Paris, France and my 2nd anniversary in Venice, Italy.  Venice has been my favorite vacation so far.  I mean, really: St. Mark’s Square, the vendors, performers, the canals and my anniversary on a gondola!  You cannot top that one for romance! 
6.  I LOVE movies and I am a true movie buff; all genres interest me, but lately I am drawn to sci-fi, thrillers, film noir, foreign films and period films.  I more or less go through phases.  Oh - and any movie with superheroes fascinate me – I want a superpower (mind reading, flying, I do not care)! 
7. I actually dream of a day when the whole world all gets along and there is no hate and no war. Matthew 22:37-39
8. My day cannot begin without coffee.  MUST...HAVE…COFFEE!! 
9. I know sign language.  I am not fluent yet, but I can converse; I hope to be fluent soon. 
10. Fashion and Films are my passion, and I love to write about both. I watch a bit too much t.v. and I am a Big Brother super-fan (Big Brother 16!), I love The Walking Dead and I am anxiously awaiting the final season of True Blood.  For you True Blood fans: Who is your favorite True Blood Character?

My Questions:

1. What's your favorite ice cream flavor?  Since I am allergic to milk, no ice cream for me. I do, however, love fruit sorbet.  Mango is my absolute favorite flavor.
2. Give us one movie/book title that has changed your outlook in life. Why? Schindler’s List changed the way I look at life and at the world.  When I lived in Germany, I visited a concentration camp, Dachau Concentration Camp.  When you learn about what can happen during times of war, it really changes you. So much death; it was unnecessary and should never be allowed to happen again.  I truly wish all people would love each other unconditionally and see that we are all equal in God’s eyes. If you have not seen Schindler's List, watch it; if you have, watch it again. We all need the reminder.
3. If you only have one day to live and you can only eat one type of food, what will it be? Movie popcorn with LOTS of butter.  I mean LOTS. Layered.  
4. Who is your favorite author/director and why? This was a difficult choice, but right now, Christopher

   

   Christopher Nolan, Director

   Nolan.  Memento, The Dark Knight, Inception, The Dark Knight Rises…and coming soon, Interstellar.  Pure genius.
5.  If you were to be born again, would you rather be a boy or a girl? Why?  I would still want to be a girl.  Fashion is my passion, and I would not change a thing. Oh yeah...Girls rule!  An high heels rock!
6. What are the perks of being a blogger, in your opinion/experience?  Creative release is one of perks of blogging.  Having an outlet to put my thoughts and opinions on what I love is so refreshing.  The best part is getting feedback and knowing that there are others out there that share in my opinions, or that read my musings and want to discuss them. 
7. Would you rather be a movie star or a director? Why?  I would definitely prefer acting to directing.  I have a dramatic flair, and have done small-scale theater.  Not only is it incredibly fun, it is rewarding, as well.  I would love to act, and I always tell my family: "I was born to play a Zombie." :)  
8. What's your favorite era when it comes to Hollywood movies? Why? Currently, I am really into movies set during the Renaissance Period, or 14^th-17^th Century, as I am obsessed with the costumes in the films that are set during this time in history.  Such detail and grace in the women's clothing.
   
9. Who's your favorite actor/actress, why?  My favorite actor right now is the brilliant Matthew

   

   Matthew McConaughey as Rust Cohle

   on HBO's "True Detective"

   McConaughey.  His portrayal of Ron Woodruff in the Dallas Buyers Club was nothing short of perfection, and he earned every bit of the Oscar he received this year.  He deserves the Emmy, too, for the amazing job he did in the HBO drama True Detective, playing Detective Rust Cohle.  He was mesmerizing in the role and he MADE that show. 
10. Who would you want to mentor you? Could be living or dead. Could be an author (if you wanna be a writer) or a director. Or any other person. Jesus Christ.  Hands down. 
11.  Do you believe in ghosts? Why?  Yes; I lived in a house that had one residing in it when I was in the seventh grade.  A ghost, an evil presence - whatever it was, it was there.  We moved; it did not.  I am still so thankful.

Here are the 11 blogs that I have decided to nominate.  Participation is optional, of course, but it will be fun!  I have questions for you and you can link below so I can read your answers: 

Michael Foster (FlixNerd) 
Movie and Film Reviews 
Tanya Foster (film+fashion+fun)
MovieMelt 
Matt Wells
Tim Day
Khalilah Willis 
Elegantly Fashionable
Baby Bell 
Anna Lorena (Lorenne Blau)
Rachael Dickhute (Everything Hauler)
   

 The Questions for You

    1.  What is your favorite film and why?

2.  When watching t.v., do you prefer Reality

      Shows, Drama or Sitcoms, and what is your

      favorite show?

3.   If you could grow up in a different time period,

       any at all, which would you choose and why?

4.   Just For fun: You are stranded on an island

       forever and can have one companion: your

       dog/cat/pet, unlimited books to read, Channing

       Tatum or Scarlett Johansson.  Which do you

       choose and why?

5.   Color trend in women’s hair (blue, pink,

      purple…) – Love it or Hate it and why?

6.   How do you feel about movies with nonlinear

       timelines, and do you have a favorite?  (Hint:

       mine is Memento)

7.   What is your favorite holiday and what do you

       love about it?

8.   Approximately how many hours (honestly) of

       t.v. do you watch weekly and do you prefer to

       dvr/tivo your shows?

9.   What is the most exotic place you have ever

       visited, and what did you love most about it?

10.  You can be Spiderman, Batman, Captain

        America, Wolverine, Iron Man, Mystique, or

        Storm for a day. Who do you choose? Why? 

If you are not following me already, Follow Me, 

Film Fashionista, and I will follow you! Let's

support one another and make this 

a following frenzy.

 Photo credits: IMDB.com and HBO.com