The New York Narrative

Hi Everyone,

Firstly I would like to sing the praises of our gorgeous and fabulous city, New York, as today is a very tough day for most. New York, you’re our home, our hearts, and we love you.

Now, onto Fashion! While it is Fashion Week it’s also the kickoff to critically acclaimed films premiering, hence the beginning of film festival season. While the Venice Film Festival has just wrapped, it leads us into the Toronto International Film Festival (more on that next week…) and eventually ushers us into awards season. With that said we’ve gotten lots of looks this week from all round the globe.

So take a look, sound off, thanks for staying with us, and enjoy what is supposed to be a semi-gorgeous weekend!

— Christian

PS: If you haven’t checked it out yet, head on over to The New York Narrative’s new section The Christian DiPietro Project for this guys portfolio and work. Xx, C.

Diane Kruger, PRADA- “Everest” Venice Film Festival Premiere

Let’s just get this out of the way: Diane Kruger is the Fashion Queen of any film festival she is at. It doesn’t matter if it’s Cannes or Venice, she nails it.

Case in point, Ms.Kruger in PRADA. This may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but there’s no denying the actress is beyond regal in this bedazzled caped number. Everything from that up-swept Hitchcock blonde hair, the perfectly styled jewelry, the interesting detail at the cape…it’s all working.

I generally wouldn’t be such a fan of the cutouts exposing her muscle-y rib cage but in a way it keeps the look fresh. Perfection head to toe.

Diane Kruger, BOSS- Venice Film Festival Premiere

Just when I thought Ms.Kruger’s PRADA was her winning look, the blonde babe stunned in a velvet and satin off the shoulder crimson BOSS dress with exaggerate bow and sash. Her whole offering is beyond chic that quite frankly I’m not sure anyone else would be able to pull it off with such ease and grace.

Purposefully messy hair, an oversized clutch, and blush satin peep-toes round out another killer look.

Juliette Binoche, Armani- “The Wait” Venice Film Festival Premiere

Not only is Juliette Binoche’s ombre weaved Armani a grand slam, it’s also one of the more unique and fresh gowns we’ve seen on the Red Carpet in a while. With it’s tasseled sleeves and flattering cut, the Oscar winning actress was looking all kinds of cool in a sea of “been there, done that” dresses.

Elisabeth Olsen, Calvin Klein Collection- 41st Annual Deauville American Film Festival Red Carpet

My best dressed would have gone to Ms.Kruger this week had the gorgeous Elizabeth Olsen not shown up looking all kinds of  Michelle Pfeiffer Old Hollywood Glam at the Deauville American Film Festival where the young actress was being honored for her work on screen.

Wowing us in a short sleeved crisp white open back Calvin Klein gown, Ms.Olsen was the definition of minimal modern sophistication— an open back is much sexier than a slit going down to your belly button. Soft bouncy blonde waves and perfect make-up keep the look young and fresh while the cut of the dress enhances Ms.Olsen’s statuesque figure.

If you’re having slight deja vu it’s because Emma Stone wore a very similar cut Calvin to the Globes a few years back. To me Lizzie’s offering stands on it’s own without being a rerun as the styling is very, very different.

You can see how confident and comfortable she is in this gown, which makes this that much sexier a look. Of all Lizzie’s incredibly stylish and chic 2015 offerings, this one takes the cake for me…though, 2015 is not over. Breathtaking.

Naomi Watts, David Koma- Nirav Modi U.S. Boutique Opening

Oh Naomi, Naomi, Naomi…what’s happening here, girl? I want to like this David Koma dress more on the stunning actress, but I can’t. I wont. Everything about the look is contrived and teetering on overcooked; the hair is too high (though, gorgeous from the back), bell sleeves, an open back, high front slit, and then there’s the element of lace heels? One too many things in one look. Ms.Watts, you can do better.

Kristen Stewart, Chanel- “Equals” Venice Film Festival Premiere

I’m not really sure what’s going on, but I’m pretty sure Uncle Karl dressed Kristen Stewart up as a matronly Joan of Arc. While I dig the vampy lip and classic Louboutin’s, the love stops there.

Nicholas Hoult, Tom Ford- “Equals” Venice Film Festival Premiere

Co-star Nicholas Hoult on the other hand is all kinds of dashing in his gorgeously cut, incredibly well tailored Tom Ford tux. If I was about fifteen feet taller I’d try to rip it off him to add to my own closet….and keep him sans clothes. Right?

Amber Heard, Stella McCartney- “Black Mass” Venice Film Festival Premiere

I still don’t know if I’ve seen Amber Heard act in anything other then an episode of “The OC,” but she is gorgeous and looking all kinds of easy and breezy in her bust enhancing exaggerated well cut Stella McCartney gown.

I don’t know why Johnny Depp’s pants look like that, but it’s hurting my eyes.

Naomi Harris, Julien MacDonald- 2015 GQ Men of The Year Awards

“Bond” babe Naomi Harris looks great in canary and Gold, but this Julien MacDonald mini feels a bit old hat. While the cut is flattering enough on the British beauty, doesn’t it seem like something a Real Housewife of New Jersey would wear to a Christening? Or is that just me? Good shoes, though.

Alba Rohrwacher, Valentino- “Blood of My Blood” Venice Film Festival Premiere

This must have been the week of mostly sophisticated look because Italian actress Alba Rohrwacher (who?) looks striking in her modest yet lovely Valentino pleated high neck gown. The matchy-matchy make-up even works, the matronly comb-over updo does not.

Lily Collins, Moschino- “Jeremy Scott: The People’s Designer” Premiere

Forget everything I said about sophistication this week: Lily Collins in Moschino, folks. That’s all…

Katy Perry, Custom Moschino- “Jeremy Scott: The People’s Designer” Premiere

BFF of Jeremy Scott— Creative Director at Moschino— Katy Perry (or Kitty Purry as I like to call her) pulled out all the stops, and by stops I mean her breasts, in a low cut high slitted bedazzled bodice custom Moschino satin gown with adorned shoes and the longest earrings I have ever seen.

Between everything going on with that gown, her pompadour ombre hair is doing her no favors nor are those ankle strap heels cutting the singer off. As disastrous as this is, at least she’s having fun. Right?

Rita Ora, Moschino- “Jeremy Scott: The People’s Designer” Premiere

Question: who is Rita Ora? I mean, really? Who is she? Why has she shown up on every Red Carpet in the last two years? Why is she wearing an old costume from “Pretty Woman?” Why has the Fashion industry embraced her so wholeheartedly? I have so many questions…

Dakota Johnson, Marc Jacobs- “A Bigger Splash” Venice Film Festival Premiere

I’m a man torn: I love this mirrored enameled Marc Jacobs off the shoulder long sleeved super sleek gown, but I do not love it on Dakota Johnson. While it looks fine enough on the actress, I can’t help but wish someone cooler like Scarlett Johansson or Cate Blanchett wore this gown and rocked it. Either actress would have brought so much more life to such a gorgeous piece.

What is throwing me of the most is the hair here…did she let it air dry and use a crunchy moose product?

Tilda Swinton, Haider Ackermann- “A Bigger Splash” Venice Film Festival Premiere

Thankfully Oscar winner and all around cool human being Tilda Swinton saved this Red Carpet in a sugary lemon Haider Ackermann off the shoulder 3/4 sleeved gown with with monochromatic sash and a David Bowie do. Ms. Swinton and Mr. Ackermann are buddies so it’s no surprise he decorated the talented actress in a flattering and chic look.

Those weird mid-90’s square toe shoes would not have been my first choice.

Elizabeth Banks, Elie Saab- “Beasts of No Nation” Venice Film Festival Premiere

Like Ms.Kruger, actress/director/badass female Elizabeth Banks also brings her A-Game to a film festival. Never one to shy away from a Fashion challenge, Ms.Banks chose a floral Elie Saab caped gown with high slit and full skirt. Static, this gown didn’t work; the only flattering pictures were of Ms.Banks walking her cape flying in the air like a Superhero.

This may have been one to save for the pages of an editorial…she still get’s a round of applause from me for taking a risk. Those strappy Louboutin’s are so sexy and perfect it almost makes me take everything I said back.

Lily Aldridge, Marc Jacobs- The Daily Front Row’s 3rd Annual Fashion Media Awards

Stunner Lily Aldridge showcased her svelte (and perfect) figure in an immaculate slate grey Marc Jacobs gown with sheer panels and hammerhead nail detailing; as a sidenote, I have seen this gown in person: it weighs 10,000 lbs. and she’s making it look like it’s as light as a feather. Not only is the style completely on point, but that gown was made for Ms.Aldridge to wear. Flawless.

Ke$ha- LAX Airport

And from one glamour girl to the next…Ke$ha took enough time out of her busy schedule living in a cesspool to catch a flight from LAX.

Lizzy Caplan, Mary Katrantzou- “Sleeping with Other People” Premiere

While I applaud Lizzy Caplan for taking on such a Fashion forward look like this multi-colored, multi-patterned Mary Katrantzou long sleeved high neck gown I’m not sure the risk paid off. This is a lot of look and with how tiny Ms.Caplan is, saying it’s overwhelming her is an understatement. Adding too severe hair and a closed toe pump was the nail in the coffin for me.

Jessica Alba, Jonathan Saunders- Honest Beauty Launch

Jessica Alba’s crisp Jonathan Saunders long sleeve overlay dress and sugary pink heel combo is feeling a bit dated. It also looks too big for the stunning actress/entrepreneur/Mom/business lady.

Amanda Peet, Marc Jacobs- “Sleeping with Other People” Premiere

I love Amanda Peet’s sexy secretary burgundy Marc Jacobs dress with broderie anglaise detailing, but I can’t help but wish her hair had been down and she swapped out those weird matchy PVC pumps for a sleek classic Louboutin. That make-up is flawless.

Scarlett Johansson, Michael Kors- The Late Show with Stephen Colbert

Looking impossibly cool, Black Widow herself, Scarlett Johansson, rocked a leather and twill Michael Kors jumpsuit with killer gold Roger Vivier heels and Movie Star sunnies while making an appearance on The Late Show. Even though this was Black it translated just fine on television and fit the actress’ style MO. I do hope she makes her “I’m a cool Mom” haircut back to her “Avengers: Age of Ultron” promo days as the styling was a bit more inventive.

Penelope Cruz, Chanel- “Ma Ma” Premiere

I don’t generally favor a va va voom look, but I have to say when I saw Penelope Cruz in this bedazzled bustier Chanel number I went, “Damnnnnnnnnnnnn!” Even with dated peep toe pumps, this is still a great offering from the Oscar winner who’s style I find far too all over the place.

Kate Bosworth, Alexander McQueen- Live! With Kelly and Michael

Again with the cool girls. Kate Bosworth made the rounds promoting something (who knows…) in a wildly chic Alexander McQueen tweed ensemble with dramatic oversized leather obi belt and top handle box clutch. Glossy waves and bubblegum make-up completed her look.

Natalie Portman, Dior- Toronto International Film Festival event honoring Natalie Portman

One of my favorite looks form the week comes by way of my favorite Black Swan, Natalie Portman, who wowed in a lilac printed Dior number with bell sleeves and a bejweled overlay bodice. I struggle with Ms.Portman because as per her Dior contract (like Jennifer Lawrence), she has to wear the Parisian house and it doesn’t always fit for her personal style.

Luckily, this flirty number does. The actress looks confident and youthful, rather than looking matronly and forced as she tends to on the Red Carpet. If I had to nitpick, I’d prefer a tonal shoe rather than Black.

Sarah Jessica Parker, Alberta Ferretti Couture- Madison Square Park Conservancy’s Fall fundraising Gala

NYC’s Tinker Bell Sarah Jessica Parker was leggy and sexy in a boho-vibed Alberta Ferretti printed gown matching her enviable caramel ombe locks and killer tan. SJP’s laidback approach to Couture is what always makes her stand out, and her SJP Collection textured sandals are a great balance to her look. I love everything is in the same caste here— Summery golden tan all around.

That Tod’s bag is a bit of a head scratcher though…why is it so large?

Elizabeth Banks- Venice Film Festival Press

Love Ms.Banks strappy Loubotuin’s and complimentary clutch, but that top is a little too Golden Girls for my taste.

Kathryn Hahn- “The Visit” Premiere

I am loving funnylady Kathryn Hahn’s effortless Black and White offering by way of obi-inspired wrap top and cigarette cropped pants. Her purposefully messy ombre waves and metallic Gold Louboutin’s perfectly compliment her at ease low-but-high glam look.

Jake Gyllenhaal, Salvatore Ferragamo – “Everest” LA Premiere

Jake Gylenhaal is the definition of classic Old Hollywood meets modern masculinity in his Salvatore Ferragamo navy double breasted suit. Just the right amount of cuff. Just the right amount of scruff. Just the right amount of smolder. Fella’s, take note.

Emily Ratajkowski, Balmain- Target and VOGUE New York Fashion Week Event

Apparently Emily Ratjkowski is channeling her “Blurred Lines” days rocking what appears to be what a hooker would wear to a Bat Mitzvah…

Diane Kruger, Oscar de la Renta- “11 Minutes” Venice Film Festival Premiere

Ms.Kruger’s Black and White Oscar de la Renta is no doubt a piece of art, but for the Fashion forward actress, it doesn’t wow me. Styling is fine enough, but she has has brighter moments in the sun.

Emelia Clarke, Oscar de la Renta- 2015 GQ Men of The Year Awards

Onto a very different kind of Oscar de la Renta…I’m not quite sure who told Emelia Clarke to wear an old Sweet 16 dress circa 2006, but she listened and did. Woof.

Elizabeth Banks, Marchesa- “A Bigger Splash” Venice Film Festival Premiere

Looking like a sexy flamingo dance teacher, Ms.Banks’ lace and embroidered Marchesa was flattering and ladylike while showcasing some strappy neutral heels. Like Diane, I expect a little more…especially in the make-up department. Girlfriend is looking all kinds of washed out…