Thanks for holding.....The Met Gala!

After a much needed break we are back! What better way to return than our pics for best dressed at the Met Costume Gala last night honoring the late, great Alexander McQueen. In no particular order, Christina Ricci in Zac Posen, Vogue Nipon's Anna Della Russo in Alexander McQueen, and McQueen muse and friend, Daphne Guinness wearing the late designer.

Photo Fans At Juergen Teller...

Ladies and Gentlemen, Nha Khanh...

So last night Nha Khahn debuted their Fall/Winter collection and it was amazing!!! A Jan Strimple production, State Hall was the place to be for the fashion savvy. The models were beautiful, Marisol Alfaro is always a dream. The collection was a feminine and sophisticated statement calling for fine tailoring and seduction. We loved the pleated white mock neck cocktail dress with the lace sleeve. Tres chic!!! (Pictured Above: Alli Dunn, Graysha Assoun, Abby Gregory and Kevin Fougerousse, Khanh Nguyen and Matt Gilley.)

Tunes: Duran Duran, "Girls on Film."

Bags, Baubles and Bites...

Later yesterday afternoon many gathered in a tiny studio of what used to be Rush Patisserie in Deep Ellum to take a glance at the latest collections from Bella Rose Jewelry and Bolarti handbags. Friends from TheFeast.com as well as Modern Luxury were there and John Skinner, Shoes and Accessories Manager at Tootsies, was seen admiring the vintage holy iconography re-worked in chains and bracelets.(Pictured above: Paige Hardison and Donovan Marchand, Eric Madison.)

Tootsies Delivers Fashion...

Tuesday night Tootsies hosted a fashion show to benefit Fashion Delivers. Fashion Delivers is a NYC based non-profit that collects and donates goods to those in need. Fashion has a heart? Joking of course, the fashions delivered were courtesy of Tootsies and the show was produced by RSC Productions. The show featured woman's wear by designers like BCBG and Jovani but it was the gentlemen in the audience that were bringing the hot looks. (Pictured above: Matt Gilley, John Skinner, Courtney Edwards, Veronica Cortes & Nathaly Mora.)

Out of the Closet: Allison Edwards

When I met with Allison Edwards at her home near Highland Park, she was hours away from starting the journey to her new life in Los Angeles. After living in Texas’ fashion capital for the past decade, she accumulated a very extensive wardrobe filled with vintage finds and fond memories. As she was packing, memories of birthdays celebrated, galas chaired, and concerts rocked laid before us. These stories were already “out of the closet,” and the clothes that made them are ready to start anew in the City of Angels.

MSD: What are you wearing today?

AE: I am actually wearing my workout clothes from this morning’s workout at Equinox. I have been packing all day because I am leaving for Los Angeles tomorrow.

MSD: Tell me about this gorgeous red dress.

AE: I bought this dress at H&M in New York back at Christmas time. I actually wore it to the Roberto Cavalli show that was held at Seven Senses. I wore it with tall boots and a big statement necklace and it looked really cute.

MSD: Did you get to meet Mr. Cavalli?

AE: I did not get to meet him but I did meet a cute guy from the Caymans that night. We ended up going on a few dates, so that was fun.

MSD: Are those leopard pants you are holding?

AE: These are leopard palazzo pants that I bought with Abby Gregory, a fellow Dallas style writer. I bought them at American Rag in Los Angeles. It’s this really cool place that has great vintage pieces but they also carry new high-end clothing as well. I wore them to a Pink Memo event at Neiman Marcus a few weeks ago.

MSD: I noticed that you have a lot of great vintage finds. Do you consider yourself a vintage girl?

AE: I like to vintage shop. Not all of my stuff is vintage. But lately I have been into vintage shopping a lot more. I have been able to find some good bargains. I think you can get a lot more for your money if you vintage shop. What was once someone else’s treasure can now be yours.

MSD: What is your favorite vintage hot spot?

AE: It would have to be Ahab Bowen. I have been able to find some really great pieces there.

MSD: What is the one piece that you could not live without?

AE: It would have to be my black blazer. I wear it with everything. You can wear it skirts, jean, and shorts. It’s just one of those pieces that you can easily add to an outfit if it needs something more. I have had it for many years and I love it.

MSD: Where did you get this amazing tulle dress?

AE: I bought that dress at Neiman’s. I wore it with black over-the-knee boots to a Willie Nelson benefit concert. Abby already knew his son, so we got to meet him and hang out on the tour bus. That was Super Bowl weekend.

MSD: What’s going on back here? What is this fabulous sequin dress?

AE: I got that at Neiman’s. It has a beaded pearl flower. I wore it for my 32nd birthday. We went to Eddie V’s and had dinner then we had a big, dual birthday party with my friend Jason at Bar Celine.

MSD: What is the one accessory that you cannot live without?

AE: Big watches. I have always liked watches with large faces. I could never have a small watch. I bought this gold Michael Kors watch at Bloomingdale’s in New York. I got it right before I ran the New York City Marathon.

Head shot by Dean Dominguez Photography.

Stanley celebrates his 25th...

(Above: Pamela Martin-Duarte, Beau Bumpas, Maxine Trowbridge, Storm Foster.)



(Above: John Conte, Julia Andalman)



(Above: Lindsay Weatherread, Paige Brewer, Courtney Clayton.)



(shoe-gamers)

Last night the fashion glitterati were out a Stanley Korshak to help celebrate the retailers 25th birthday! It seemed that the entire fashion set was there and having a great time with Patron cocktails and Sprinkles cupcakes. The after party at The Shak was so much fun and the couture revelers kept the dance floor packed!

Fashion Cited this Thursday...

If you haven't already, don't forget to get your tickets to "Fashion Cited," this Thursday evening from 6:30-9:30 at Marc Events off Dragon Street. Benefiting the Legal Hopsice of Texas, it is sure to be a great event!!!

For ticket sales or more information please visit www.legalhospice.org/events .

Hot Accessory Find: Dareen Hakim at Elements

Check out this amazing faux-croc leather clutch by Dareen Hakim. With is bold gold hardware and patent finish it is sure to leave a rockin' impression on any outfit. Bag available at Elements for $355.

Scene: "Where Wear..." Launch Party

(Above:Allison Edwards, Abby Gregory)


Above:(Allison Edwards, Lisa Petty)

The Where wear in the City launch party was a huge success. Veritas was filled from door to door with well wishers for the delightful duo and they greeted everyone with warm reception. The wine was great and the music on point. "World, Hold On,"(just for you Abby) because Allison Edwards is heading to the City of Angels. We will miss her but girl gotta do her thang!!!

Hot Fashion Find: Twinkle by Wenlan at Elements

Check out this fabulous baby doll print dress from Twinkle by Wenlan. Slightly shorter in the front gives this dress a contemporary silhouette and the color block-esque print provides a Modern aesthetic. Styling is easy, add a ultra high platform espadrille wedge like the Pedro Garcia pictured. Put the brakes on the accessories minus a great statement ring or two and a simple stud earring. Finish the look with a envelope clutch and your set. Dress by Twinkle by Wenlan available at Elements for $301. Wedge by Pedro Garcia available at NiemanMarcus.com.

Male Musings: Henry Holland

Designer.

Where Wear in the City Lauch Party!!!

Dallas socialites and fashion connoisseurs Allison and Courtney Edwards have launched the new website for their popular blog "Where Wear in the City!" This is a party you won't want to miss. All of Dallas' most stylish scensters are sure to be there sporting their hottest looks for Spring. It's shaping up to be a busy week, fashionistas! I hope you have kept your closets in shape because it's time to flex those Choos.

Where Wear in the City Launch party at Veritas Wine Room. 2323 Henderson Ave, from 6:30-8:30.

www.wherewearinthecity.com

F.G.I. : S/S 2011 Trend Report f/ Lisa Petty

Hey there fashion followers!!! Be sure to check out the Dallas chapter of the Fashion Group International's S/S 2011 TREND PRESENTATION! This Thursday at the Dallas Museum of Art's C3 theater, our spring fashion tour guide is TheFeast.com's Shop Editor and MyStyleDallas feature girl, Lisa Petty. Light hors d'ouevres and drinks will be served at 6:30 and the presentation set to begin at 7:00pm

For ticket information visit, www.dallas.fgi.org.

Hot Fashion Find: Royal Underground at Neiman Marcus

Check out this awesome leather and chiffon motorcycle vest by Royal Underground. With Nikki Sixx behind the brand, these rocker looks are designed by a true original, cut to Motley Crue's "Behind the Music." The deconstructed metallic finish offers a glam rock edge but the chiffon ruffled finish softens the look and broadens its demographic. Vest available at Neiman Marcus North Park for $450.

Tunes: Jay-Z, "Change Clothes."

Out of the Closet: Lisa Petty

On any given day you can find Lisa Petty treasure hunting in Dallas’ best vintage shops or trend spotting at designer boutiques. As the Shop Editor for TheFeast.com, she provides readers with the local 411 on everything from celebrity appearances to insider fashion industry info. We thought it would be fun to take a peak into the closet of one Dallas’ rising style stars. From chats with Manolo about her Manolo’s, to her family jewels, these stories were ready to come “out of the closet.”

MSD: What are you wearing today?

LP: I am wearing a Missoni shrug and a white tee, J.Crew belt, [along with] skinny jeans and Chinese Laundry sandals.

MSD: Tell me about these beautiful Manolo‘s!

LP: I got these the day I interviewed Manolo Blahnik. On the morning of my interview I ran into Uptown Consignment and I was like, “I want to see all of your Manolo’s!” I ended up picking out these burgundy, scalloped, suede, peep-toes, and [Manolo] definitely recognized them.

MSD: What did he say about your shoes?

LP: One of his specific points was that he hates platforms. I was originally going to wear beige platform heels, but I am glad that I didn’t, because he said that platforms are “for women of easy virtue.” So when he looked down at my ladylike shoes, he complimented them!

MSD: What is your favorite dress?

LP: Whenever I put on this coral dress from Cache’, I instantly feel glamorous. I love halters because they enhance women with a smaller bust line, like me. I think coral is universally flattering, and also I love that [the dress] is slightly asymmetrical. It seems to be designed to enhance a woman’s body.

MSD: What is your favorite bag?

LP: I love this little one that you like so much! I have had it for a really long time. I love it because it ‘s edgy and classic at the same time. It’s not silver or gold, so I don’t have to worry about matching it, and it has this fun, bubbled texture.

MSD: I noticed you have a lot of hats. What’s going on there?

LP: I love hats. I wear them a lot. This Stetson fedora belonged to my grandfather, Alva Snow. He was a slim, elegant-looking guy and he was never without a hat. It’s a little too small for me to wear comfortably, but it’s cool. It reminds me of him every time I wear it.

MDS: What is the one item that you cannot live without?

LP: You know what, I cannot live without this ring—we call it “The Family Jewel”. It was on one of my first dates with [my husband] Jeremy, a double date with friends of ours. We went to a big charity event for children with asthma, which had casino theme. So while the guys were gambling, my girlfriend and I were doing a little “wishful bidding” at the silent auction tables, in their names.

MSD: And this was one of your first dates?

LP: At this point we had been together for probably a month, maybe two, and I did it as a joke because I had never won anything in a silent auction, or so I thought. The following Monday, Jeremy gets a call that says “Mr. Petty-- congratulations! Where would you like for us to send your jewel?” He was like “What?” and they explained that he had bid on this blue topaz that is however many carats, and he won! Well, they asked for a credit card number and said they could send it to him. He was shocked and thinking, “How do I get out of this?” and so he asked the caller what his options were. They told him his options were FEDEX, UPS or U.S. Mail! So, after keeping in it in his car for a while, he had it set and surprised me with a beautiful topaz ring for Christmas!

F/W 2011: Giambattista Valli

For Fall/Winter 2011 minimalism was the undertone at Giambattista Valli. Usually adorned with feathers and jewels Valli showed a collection that highlighted the designers floral print and focused on the strong grey, black, and yellow palette. The tulip print and ruffled segment of the collection spoke to signature Valli appealing to his die hard customer. The evening gowns at the end of the show were an amazing display of minimal opulence.

F/W 2011: Gareth Pugh

With similar silhouettes as last season Gareth Pugh's Fall/Winter collection was an austere vision of a futuristic urban warrior. Focusing on outer wear he modernized late nineties Matrix inspired fashion with tabard shapes and leather paneling. His men's looks were tightly tailored and completed with cascading chiffon pants completing the look. The show was closed with a series of looks layered with gold sequin serving gilded futuristic urban armor.

Interview: artist, Kevin Lewis Fougerousse.....

I recently had the great fortune of spending time at the studio of artist Kevin Lewis Fougerousse. There he is completing the final touches on his work and preparing for his first Dallas solo exhibit this Friday at the Aloft Hotel located in downtown. He is a soft spoken man who is deeply emotional and conveys his feelings through color, texture, and poem. Here are our words.

MSD: Where did you study art?

KLF: I went to school for graphic design and had a scholarship to the Memphis College of Art but I turned it down.

MSD: Why did you turn it down?

KLF: I knew that I wanted to do fine art, gallery work, and me being in my artist mind thought ‘fuck you, I don’t need a piece of paper to tell me what I can or cannot do.’ I figured that if I work as hard to do this on my own, as I would in school, I would enjoy it more. School is not for me.

MSD: So is your process completely raw talent? Where did you learn your technique?

KLF: I would say that 75 percent of it is self-taught and I have an art professor that taught at UCLA that I am real close with. I will randomly call him and ask him questions. He taught me a lot of do’s and dont’s but a lot of it is trial and error.

MSD: Tell me about the collection of work you are going to be showing.

KLF: Most of my passion comes from relationships. They all represent girls that I have opened myself up to. Most of these paintings started from coming out of a relationship when I moved back to Arkansas from LA. She moved to Nashville at the same time I moved to Arkansas and a month later we split. I had been living in LA for eight years and I would hang out with friends all the time but in Arkansas it was much different. In Arkansas there wasn’t really anyone to hang out with. I spent a lot of time alone doing these paintings and taking walks trying to figure out life and where I wanted to go from there.

MSD: What is your opinion of the Dallas art scene?

KLF: I love the open door policy here. In LA I had some luck getting in three different Beverly Hills galleries. But not a lot of business was produced out of it. I always felt like I was pushing and pushing but here I really feel like the ball is rolling and it is starting to pull me.

MSD: Tell me about your relationship with RO2.

KLF: I meet them(Susan Roth Romans and Jordan Roth) at a show a month ago two weeks after I got here. We meet at Aloft where I am doing my show. My friend Douglas introduced me to them and I showed Susan some images of my work from my phone and she asked if I wanted to do a show. Sometime later I asked my friend Douglas if he thought if they would let me do a solo show. He said that he didn't think they did solo shows. I ended up talking to Susan a week later and she said I was going to do a solo. It feels awesome to get picked up by a company that has been doing this for thirty something years shortly after getting here. I was nervous about how things were going to turn out.

MSD: What are your expectations for this show?

KLF: I don’t have any expectations for this show because that sets yourself up for failure. I am expecting 50 people to come if more come great. I don’t expect to sell but if I do than I will be surprised and happy because I know that shows are often just events for people to go to. Who really knows? I have no clue.

MSD: Who are some of your favorite artists?

KLF: Larry Rivers, Sean Jason Alexander, Charlie Iso, Michael Gorman, and Basquiat. The very first artist to ever inspire me was Van Gogh. He inspired me with textures and colors and that is when I started painting. As you can see I like bright colors.

Fougerousse's exhibit reception is Friday March 4th from 7-10pm at the Aloft Hotel.
For more information on Fougerousse visit www.klfstudios.com or www.ro2art.com.