Despite the rather dreary day in LA on Tuesday, stylish starlets and fashionistas gathered at the historic Chateau Marmont for the CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund (generously underwritten by corporate sponsors like American Express) to recognize the 10 finalists competing for a financial grant to take their design houses to the next level. The competition was stiff and included Altuzarra, Robert Geller, Pamela Love, Prabal Gurung, Billy Reid, Christian Cota, Moss Lipow, Loden Dager, Gregory Parkinson, and Eddie Borgo, each of whom displayed several Spring 2011 looks as part of one cohesive fashion show.
Rose McGowan and Nicole Richie photo: wireimage
Obviously, this fashion fete wouldn’t be LA without clothes-loving celebrities roaming the room. For example, hotelier and Chateau Marmont owner, Andre Balazs, who surveyed the party of well dressed attendees before stopping to chat with Donovan Leitch. His gaze never left the room though. Entourage’s Perrey Reeves arrived at the beginning of the bash in a gorgeous black lace print knee length dress complemented by tan patent leather heels and then proceeded to pose on the runway for photos. Soon after, Molly Sims, decked in a green floral dress that accentuated her curves along with the most fabulous pair of satin navy blue stilettos that were to die for, entered the room with a huge “Hellllooooo!” You could not have missed her! Another noticeable tall blonde, tennis ace and accessories designer Maria Sharapova, towered above the crowd wearing mixed prints-so on trend! The flash bulbs really got going as Rachel Zoe strategically hid her supposed pregnancy in a covering sequined jacket and black pants while she said hello to the entire first row, including Marisa Tomei. Stunning Eva Mendes sported a high ponytail and head band (no doubt because of the rain), and was told to take a seat next to hair sponsor Frederic Fekkai who had messy hair (also on trend). Red Sonja star Rose McGowan in a leopard print top and camel colored skirt showed up right before showtime and took a seat next to Abigail Spencer. Post show at the high tea in the garden, Nicole Richie made laps around the room displaying not only her graphic print Missoni maxi dress, but also her new chin length blonde bob. In fact, Donovan Leitch had fun tousling her new adorable do. Meanwhile, Mena Suvari barely left the side of her hubby, Simone Sestito.
Marisa Tomei, Frederic Fekkai, and Eva Mendes photo: wireimage
I did have some runway favorites-Prabal Gurung for his bold use of unexpected color combinations, Christian Cota’s delicate dresses which drew steadfast admiration from many guests in the room, and Eddie Borgo’s 1970’s punk-inspired chunky metal jewelry-definitely something I could see being worn on the dance floor of Studio 54. And how did the designers feel about the presentation? Menswear designer Robert Geller mentioned that this was the calmest he had ever been before a fashion show because he didn’t have to worry about the production details. And Prabal couldn’t have been more of a gentlemen as he made his way over to introduce himself to me and was humbled at the turnout of supporters, despite the fact that he is a media darling. A big congrats to all of the finalists whose hard work didn’t go unnoticed and good luck!
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Rachel Zoe and Prabal Gurung photo: wireimage
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super wonderfull RZ and PG !!!!!!