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The Grammy’s 2015 – Best Dressed on the Red Carpet

Yesterday was Grammy Sunday, when, for a few hours, some of you may have paused from whatever you’d  otherwise do and drooled all over your TV set to watch some of the best musicians perform all at once. I must say, that’s the number 1 reason why I watch the Grammy Awards. My  favourite performers this year were Sia, Annie Lennox (an oldie but goodie!!) and  the duet between Mary J. Blige and Sam Smith.

But the second reason for watching any of these kind of award ceremonies is to see the gowns and crazy outfits that the rich and famous choose to wear on the red carpet. And with such an artistic crowd, it was more about being outrageous than glamorous, but nevertheless here are my top topics:

Ariana Grande walked the red carpet in a beautiful white and silver Versace dress. What do you guys think?

ariana-grande-grammy-2015-red-carpet

 

How about the adorable Gwen Stefani in Atelier Versace?  The jumper was basically built for her body and everyone loved it!

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Miss Kelly Osbourne showed up in a long black gown designed by Christian Siriano. Maybe not my favorite , but kudos to supporting the younger generation of fashion designers!

kelly-osborne-grammy-2015-red-carpet

The Sweet Taylor Swift graced the red carpet in a high low teal Elie Saab. She is definitely my number one pick for her choice of an elegant yet sexy red carpet outfit.

taylor-swift-grammy-2015-red-carpet

 

Here is a slideshow of all of our choices from last night’s red carpet event. All images are courtesy of Vogue.

 

Emerging Fashion Designers Launched at the Oscars

The Academy Awards are known for launching emerging fashion designers. A relatively unknown designer is introduced to millions of people at one single event. Some of the world’s most recognized starlets will be photographed wearing an independent label and we wonder who is going to be the next Elie Saab?
The Beirut-born emerging fashion designer Elie Saab, became a household name when Halle Berry walked out on the Oscar’s red-carpet in the now world-famous maroon dress, in 2002. It is estimated that Saab received the equivalent of  $25 million worth of publicity. She soon after joined the ranks of Chanel and Dior (read full article from Business Mirror here).


But what if you are an accessories designer? Even better! You have the opportunity to give a taste of your products to tens of A-listers in their “freebie” gifts. And that is exactly what Ms. Lauren Merkin a handbag designer from New York did. She spent more than $30,000 to have her handbags showcased in the “freebies” lounge at the Independent Spirit Awards the day before the Oscars. She also created a special red-carpet collection, hoping that some starlets will pick her handbags for the actual Awards ceremony. This is a high price to pay for a small business owner however the exposure is definitely worth it. Now Ms. Merkin’s handbags are sold internationally and have been favored by comedian Sarah Silverman, “Desperate Housewives” star Nicollette Sheridan and Jessica Simpson.

A story that recently drew my attention came from emerging Canadian jewelry designer Tiffany Haziza of Buddha & the Raven Studios. In 2011 she had the opportunity of having one of her products (a pearl and Swarovski crystals necklace) offered in the gift bags at the Academy Awards in 2011. Now she is running a successful business, receives custom orders from TV stars and sales internationally.


Indeed, the Academy Awards and other red carpet events are the catalyst that many emerging designers need to take their businesses further. Of course, you need a bit of good luck and a couple of connections to get you in, so start networking early. Build strong relationships with publicists and celebrity stylists and get to know the stars and what they are likely to wear at a red carpet event. Also, make sure you budget accordingly, you need to create a special collection just for that event and consider that a marketing expense.

Halle Berry at the Academy Awards, 2002.

Halle Berry at the Academy Awards, 2002.

Lauren Merkin Clutch emerging designer

Lauren Merkin Clutch

Tiffany from Buddha & The Raven Studio, emerging designer

Tiffany from Buddha & The Raven Studio