Compare and Contrast: Duke and Duchess of Windsor-- Madonna's "W.E" Movie Costumes & The Real Thing!

A Style Story...



For their September 2011 issue, Vanity Fair just published photos by Tom Munro from Madonna's (Happy Belated Birthday!) feature-length directorial debut "W.E".

Madonna, the Director

"W.E." is a film on the lives of Wallis Simpson and Britain's Kind Edward VIII, who abdicated the throne to marry the twice-divorced Simpson. She became Duchess of Windsor when they married in 1937.



Academy Award-nominated Costume Designer--and longtime Madonna style collaborator Arianne Phillips (above) designed the costumes (GORGEOUS!!!). According to Phillips, she worked with design houses such as Cartier, Dior and Dunhill for the 60+ costume changes for the actors playing the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

Costume Encounter: (Left to Right) Nick Verreos, Costume Designer Monique Prudhomme, Costume Designer Arianne Phillips, and fellow Project Runway Season 2 Designer Andrae Gonzalo

In the film, British-born actors Andrea Riseborough and James D’Arcy play the Duchess and Duke respectively. I thought it would be fun to "Compare & Contrast" between the Vanity Fair photos from the film--and the actual COUTURE the Duke and Duchess of Windsor wore (as seen through available photographs, of course). Let's take a look at some of the photos from the film with actors:

Striped Daywear: Actors D'Arcy and Riseborough--Notice the impeccable mitering (stripes matching) in her dress--that is COUTURE darling!!!

Zig-Zag Diva: Actors Riseborough and D'Arcy lounging for cocktail hour

Home Sweet (Couture) Home: Actress Andrea Riseborough, wearing Dior and Cartier jewels

Hosting Pair: Actors Riseborough and D'Arcy playing the Duchess and Duke of Windsor

The Schiaparelli Jacket, ordered by Wallis Simpson: Wallis purchased 18 items from the Elsa Schiaparelli Summer 1937 Collection for her Marriage Trousseau to the Duke of Windsor, including a gown and jacket combination of carbon blue jersey (above). The Baroque scrolls on the jacket were white leather.

Wallis Simpson--in her Schiaparelli ensemble--photographed by Cecil Beaton

Wedding Day: The Duke and Duchess of Windsor at Chateau De Conde France 1937; The simple crepe gown was designed and created by Mainbocher, a Chicago-born Paris Couturier and Paris Vogue Fashion Illustrator (his actual name was Main Rousseau Bocher). The Duke wore a Morning Suit. Her Trousseau consisted of almost 70 garments, including the above Schiaparelli suit-gown, many Chanel's and others. Diva.



Garden Chic: In 1937, Wallis Simpson posed for Vogue in a Schiaparelli evening gown that had a lobster printed on its skirt. Salvador Dalí designed the print, which also featured sprigs of parsley. The Vogue spread was intended to introduce readers to Mrs. Simpson, who in July of that year would marry Edward VIII, Duke of Windsor and abdicated King of England.

Lobster Couture: The Schiaparelli-designed Salvador Dalí-printed gown

Color Blocking: The Duke and Duchess of Windsor--and their dog--Miami, circa 1941--Between his ascot, her Cartier pin and turban, and their colored ensembles...well, I think this may be one of the fiercest "Holiday" photos ever!

Nipped In: The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, circa 1946

Resort Wear: The Duke and Duchess of Windsor vacationing in Italy, 1953--in HIGH STYLE!!! PS: Where can I get a robe like that??

High-Low: The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, early 1960's

I cannot wait to see the film and more importantly, the fashions!!! Kudos Madonna and Arianne!!!

Lady Gaga and Madonna, distant cousins

Lady Gaga has always been compared to the "Queen of Pop" Madonna because of these few basic similarities - blonde, provocative outfits, incredibly globally famous, and dance music.

Lady Gaga and Madonna on "Saturday Night Live" | Picture: NBC , Source: The Daily Telegraph

Recently, Gaga's hit "Born This Way" was also heavily accused of being a rip off of Madonna's "Express Yourself". However, the two divas have never feuded although Gaga admitted Madonna as a huge influence.

Now, new evidence conclude that Gaga and Madonna are actually distant cousins. As reported by MailOnline, celebrity genealogist Christ Child told Boston Globe that they are "ninth cousins once removed" after the specialist tracked the French Canadian families 'back 200 years within minutes.'

So there's nothing to compare really because they're born that way, eh! :D

Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute Gala Red Carpet: Divas and A-Listers

Red Carpet Royalty.....

Diva Supreme!
(and I'm not talking about Ms. Andre Leon Talley trying to upstage her from behind!!)
Anna Wintour in Chanel Haute Couture

Monday Night was the Metropolitan Museum's Costume Institute Gala honoring the memory and amazing work of the late Alexander McQueen. This event happened only days after the House of Alexander McQueen ( headed by Sara Burton) was revealed as the designer of Katherine Middleton's Wedding Gown. So you can only imagine the excitement already swirling around in the air.

The Met Gala is always such a fun Red Carpet, because it is thought of as the "Academy Awards" of the Fashion World. The Oscars are often given the label of being safe and cookie cutter by the fashion world, so this is their opportunity to put their money where their mouth is and really give us something to talk about!!

But before we get to some of the more crazy ensembles, I thought I would highlight a few of the A-listers and Divas that really looked great on the RC.

Diane Kruger in Jason Wu: She looks breathtaking and very Old Hollywood Glamour. Love how she is workin' the slit and also the return of the strappy, more delicate heels.

Ginnifer Goodwin in Topshop Unique: Love the color and Ginnifer always knows how to highlight that fabulous face. She accented it well with that STUNNING Van Cleef and Arpels necklace.

Madonna in Stella McCartney: While I am not a huge fan of this dress, Madonna is certainly vibe-ing 1930's Hollywood Glam. We are seeing a return of the Silk Charmeuse Gowns lately and there is no doubt that Madonna is looking flawless in the close-up image above.

Ashley Olsen in Vintage Dior: Love the unexpected quality of the dress on Ashley. While she stayed within her color comfort zone (black and white), it is great to see her reveal a bit more skin and style her hair in an up-do. She looks like a Parisian Chanteuse!

Mary Kate Olsen in Vintage Givenchy: Those Olsen Girls love their vintage! Love the color and ethereal quality. The Emerald jewelry is a perfect accent.

Jennifer Lopez in Gucci Fall 2011: Love this Gucci Collection and love Jennifer in this 70's inspired chiffon halter dress. Not everyone can pull off that floral bolero, but Jennifer, always the Diva, makes it work effortlessly.

Kerry Washington in Escada: Who knew her body was this amazing?! Love the color, cut and fabrication of this gown. If only she could have stopped the hairstylist from making her look like a poodle! When in doubt, pull the hair back into a Chignon!!

Ashley Greene in Custom Donna Karan: Shoot me now, but I have actually never seen a Twilight Movie, so I wasn't completely familiar with Ashley. But she certainly made an impact on me with this gorgeous Custom Donna Karan Gown. Not a style you would normally see from DK, but she looked absolutely radiant in the dress.

Up next....The Wacky, Crazy and "Oh No She Didn't!" of the Met Gala Red Carpet!...

Milan Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2011: Dolce & Gabbana, Versace!!

Maschile /Femminile (Masculine/Feminine), Lace, Tailoring, Vibrant Colors...Milan Fashion Week Highlights:

Caprese and Campari: Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2011

Last week, Milan Fashion Week continued and while you can read (and see) my BLOG posting for the Gucci and Prada Fall/Winter 2011 Collections HERE, I wanted to also show you the latest offerings from two other MAJOR Italian Fashion Houses: Dolce & Gabbana and Versace:

Dolce & Gabbana:

Butch Dolce & Gabbana: Model Arizona Muse opens Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2011 Runway Show

For Fall/Winter 2011 Designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana showed many, many looks--over 80 to be exact! There were no "Earth-shaking" style statements for these two--just same old same old fabulous Masculine vs. Feminine stylings that have become the Dolce & Gabbana signature. The show began with Model-of-the-Moment Arizona Muse (of course!), in a jacquard double-breasted jacket and cropped knee-hovering pants, white buttoned-up dress shirt, hat and even some faux sideburns!

She was VERY Madonna "Open Your Heart" video. While the "Uomo Parade" of superbly tailored suits and perfectly draped trousers continued, it also became apparent that there was a 1980's Ska Band/Come On Eileen feeling to it as well, in addition to the fact that this entire section looked as if it could have been styled by former Lindsay Lohan girlfriend DJ Samantha Ronson and model Agyness Deyn:

Italian High Fashion Ska: Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2011

But of course, the Dolce & Gabbana girl cannot live on pant suits alone, and to satisfy this, Domenico and Stefano also sent out many sexy lace and corseted lingerie-inspired looks that will for sure be placed FRONT and CENTER at their boutiques worldwide come next Fall:

Eurostar: Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2011

Milan Opera Gown: Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2011

Dolce & Gabbana Fall/Winter 2011 Full Runway Show:

Versace Donna Women's Wear Fall/Winter 2011:

For Versace Fall/Winter 2011 Donatella Versace and her Design Team continued on their path of her brother's Design Roots, incorporating baroque motifs, color-blocks and imprints in addition to those ubiquitous Versace gold-plated buttons, which became part of the House's Legacy and roots.

Versace 1980's ad featuring Christy Turlington, Paulina Porizkova and Linda Evangelista

The Collection was molto sexy and filled with Vibrant in-your-face colors: Neon Teal, Royal Blue, Highlighter Yellow, as well as some whites and blacks thrown in for good measure. Themes ran from Red Carpet Diva to Military Power Goddess. Domenico and Stefano may give you Maschile...but Donatella's girl is ALL WOMAN!!!

Ready For Fashion Battle: Versace Fall/Winter 2011

Alitalia Business Class: Versace Fall/Winter 2011

Here Comes The Sun: Versace Fall/Winter 2011

I Am Not Riding On That Vespa: Versace Fall/Winter 2011

Meeting The Pope: Versace Fall/Winter 2011

High-Low Queen: Versace Fall-Winter 2011

Versace Donna Women's Wear Fall/Winter 2011 Full Runway Video:

83rd Annual Academy Awards: Who Wore What? The 2011 Vanity Fair Oscar Party--Part 2!!

More Vanity Fair Fashion: The Divas, the Lace/See-Through No-No's, and Miss Rita Wilson, my New Fashion Best Girlfriend!

Lets start with the Divas!

Diva No. 1 Socialite Lynn Wyatt--One word: WOW! Class Epitomized. The creme white silk crepe column gown with long sleeves, the mint-green shawl, the clutch, the STATEMENT Necklace!!!! You know, when all the fashion insiders say "It's All About A Statement Necklace", Mrs. Wyatt SHOWS THEM huney what a REAL Statement necklace needs to look like!!! And here's a shocker of all shockers (not really): I bet you A LOT of money that she DOES NOT even have a STYLIST! It's all HER...They don't make Ladies like they use to.

Diva No. 2 Carolina Herrera, wearing her own design naturally. White silk duchess one shoulder gown with side pockets and black bow accent. Simply Stunning! This Venezuelan-born Diva also can teach an actress or two how to really dress. It helps that A) She's a Designer, and B) She literally GREW up watching her mother have private fittings in Paris with Couturiers such as Cristobal Balenciaga and Christian Dior back in the 1950's. Finally, I especially love that she posed with her hand in the pocket. This is NOT the "First Time at the Red Carpet Rodeo" for Mrs. Herrera.

Diva No. 3 Joan Collins: Joan Collins can do no wrong in my book! Is it a bit "kooky"? Yes, but does she still OWN it and WORK it? TOTALLY!!! She was On-Trend with the lilac color in the embroidered rosette details and the gown fits her well (great open neckline for her!). The perfect earrings and perfect clutch finish the look. She is OLD SCHOOL Hollywood and I love it!

And Now to Some Lace/See Through No-No Divas:

See Through No-No Number 1--Madonna: Now, I KNOW it was COLD last night! About 50 Degrees in fact. So why oh why would Madonna wear a see-through lace dress with the HIGHEST of slits over a corset and under-panty. And she throws a fur mini "chubby" as if that's going to help. I'm sure this was all Dolce & Gabbana, but I may be wrong (it sure looks it!). I know it's Madonna and she can basically can do whatever she wants. But why am I still perplexed by this? She does have THE BODY of Death, but...sometimes, covered up is actually SEXIER.

See-Though No-No Number 2: Naomi Watts--What, in the name of the Fashion Gods, is this? Why is their a nude-colored piece in her stomach/upper chest? And are those off-white feathers in the back? I just don't even get it.

See Though No-No Number Trois: Jessica Szhor in a Leather, see-though, sequined midriff, nude mini. Really? Those four things NEVER enter my Fashion Vocabulary TOGETHER!!! Do these women have full-length mirrors? Or have they forgotten to pay their electric bills so they can't see themselves before leaving the house? And if so, then WHO is lying to them? Seriously WHO???

THIS...Is How You Do Lace & Nude Ladies:
Take Note (Ladies Above): Camila Alves got it right! Here she is with her sexy husband, Matthew McConaughey in this black lace over nude gown and looking elegant, sexy and GORGEOUS! I also love that she did an "outfit change" (of course she did) from her Academy Awards Red Carpet Kaufman Franco black ball gown (which I LOVED!!!).

Printed Gals:

Cameron Diaz: Love me some Cameron Diaz. Love. But not so much in this very mini Carolina Herrera Pre-Fall 2011 one-shoulder ruffled neckline cocktail dress. The original sample is actually knee-length and maybe it should have stayed that way. Or just made it about 2 inches longer. That's all it needed to be. With her mile-long legs, the mini...was, well, too mini unfortunately.

Ladies Don't Try This Look At Home: Rita Wilson--The multi-printed satin dress, the feathered (!) purse, the necklace, the bracelet, the strappy heels, the heavy-banged Bouffant 'do: Oh Miss Rita! It's "Valley of The Dolls", the Vanity Fair Oscars Party Version. It's a mess, but here's a surprise: To me, it's a GOOD MESS. Why, you may ask? Anybody who attempts this outfit at a party MUST be a HOOT!!!! If I spotted a woman at a party (at the Open Bar, I am sure!) dressed like this, she would be the first person I would talk to! You just KNOW someone who has enough chutzpah to do this, must be fun!