Madonna Premieres “W.E.” At The Venice Film Festival

Enjoy the pictures of Madonna and friends at the Venice Film Festival premiere of "W.E." (September 1).

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Red Carpet Report: Madonna "W.E." Red Carpet Premiere at the 68th Venice International Film Festival

La Madonna...

Madonna in Vionnet, Palazzo del Cinema, 68th Venice International Film Festival "W.E" Premiere

Tonight, the first day of September 2011, in the fabulous Italian city of Venice in the Palazzo del Cinema, Madonna GAVE it to them!!! The occasion: The Venice International Film Festival Premiere of her directorial debut, "W.E" the melodrama that chronicles the loves and lives of twice-divorced Wallis Simpson and Britain's Kind Edward VIII.

Actors Andrea Riseborough and James D'Arcy, as Wallis Simpson and Edward VIII in "W.E."

Wallis Simpson and Edward Duke of Windsor

I wrote about the Arianne Phillips-costume designed wardrobe HERE, in case you want to take a look at the fashions--as well as what THE Wallis Simpson and her husband, the Duke of Windsor, wore.

Group Couture: "W.E" Director Madonna, with actors James D'Arcy, Andrea Riseborough, Abbie Cornish and Oscar Isaac , at the 68th Venice International Film Festival "W.E." Premiere.

At tonight's Premiere in Venezia, Madonna wore a lilac-colored, armhole-cowl gown from the House of Vionnet featuring red sequined applique butterflies. She accessorized it with matching red sunglasses.

Violet Goddess: "W.E" Actress Abbie Cornish was there and wore Atelier Versace Spring 2011, a violet-colored Mermaid-shaped strapless Sweetheart-neckline Bustier gown with degrade' shading.

Atelier Back: This Atelier Versace gown--if ordered and purchased could go for $100,000. Just so you know...



Venice Ball: Andrea Riseborough, the English actress who played the part of Wallis Simpson, wore Christian Dior Fall 2009 Haute Couture--another $100,000+ gown. Incidentally, during the actual Dior Haute Couture Runway Show almost three years ago (collection was designed by the fired John Galliano), this ensemble was shown as a Ball Gown Skirt and Bra Top. A strapless draped silk bustier was added...for red carpet purposes...

Horsehair and Tulle: Madonna, Actresses Andrea Riseborough and Abbie Cornish (and Harvey Weinstein in the far top right) Palazzo del Cinema, 68th Venice International Film Festival "W.E." Premiere

Other Notables Present Included:

Designer Valentino Garavani, tan--and fabulous--as always.

Joaquin Cortes--Spanish Flamenco wunderkid and former "flame" of Madonna

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!!!

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: