Tag: dress

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MTV Video Music Awards | September 12, 2023

Versace custom gown (pictured similar)

As is her way, Taylor can only be consistently expected to do one thing: subvert expectations. Swiftly (some might say) bypassing an opportunity to plug any of the three albums she’s either released, or is on the precipice of releasing, she went straight to a very reputation-coded Versace gown. The likes of famed supermodel lore or legendary Liz Hurley status. It’s sexy, it’s slinky, it’s very distinctively signature Versace – using Medusa-embossed buttons in a pseudo snap closure style instead of the more overt safety pin (this detail continues on the strappy open criss-cross back all the way down the back to the end of her train, which is worth a look on its own).

I personally love a classic Versace look such as these. They’ve been done, and done a lot. But I can’t fight a classic sexy siren gown like this. The decision to forego Taylor’s signature red lip, I think, is a smart one that prevents the look from going too overboard. In my opinion, the styling choices were either pile on the jewels or pile on the crimson lip. And Taylor/her team went for the former – something that’s atypical of her style. The mussed hair with the trailing pieces left out of their updo feel “roll out of bed” intimate and sensual and feels akin to the curly bangs from the reputation photoshoot. But I can’t help but think an uber sleek blowout could have been great here. 

If indeed a nod to reputation, I’ve always seen that album as one of two diametrically opposed forces: the external perceptions of who you are vs the internal realizations of the life you’re quietly building. To use a dress with so many asymmetrical details (the bodice, the straps, and even in the movement of the button detailing literally splicing her in half) as an embodiment of that would be quite appropriate. It’s also a smart use of a brand’s signature design details to (possibly) use for your own means.

Not to mention this is precisely the kind of dress at least I would envision buying so someone else could take it off. 

Worn with: Anita Ko + Maria Tash + VCA + David Webb + Ita + vintage jewelry, Foundrae + Jacquie Aiche + vintage bracelets, and Jimmy Choo sandals

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Out and about | New York City, NY | September 11, 2023

Jacquie Aiche ‘Large Pave Teardrop Cap’ – $24,400.00
Jacquie Aiche ‘Marquise Center Flying Thunderbird Drop Stud’ – $4,550.00
Foundrae ‘Sister Hook Choker’ – $6,365.00
Foundrae ‘Diamond Center Heart Medallion’ – $1,095.00
Alaïa ‘Fluid Mini Dress’ – $2,914.00
Mansur Gavriel ‘Cloud Clutch’ – $745.00
Jacquie Aiche ‘Evil Eye Bracelet’ – $5,250.00
Prada ‘Suede Block Heel Sandal’ – no longer available

Taylor was spotted out with friends including Gigi Hadid, Cara Delevingne, Blake Lively + Reynolds, and Zoe Kravitz + Channing Tatum.

Pale blue is a reliably lovely colour on Taylor (and really brings out her eyes). Plus, she’s used it to very fun effect as seen on the last night of the Los Angeles string of Eras Tour dates to support the announcement of 1989 (Taylor’s Version). Which is a very interesting thing to bring up as in this case on the shoe front, she went tonal in a matching pale blue pair of heels that veer more ‘sweet’ than ‘city strut’ like the stilettos we’ve seen her rock in the past – such as the 6” towering heels we would have seen her wear in the original 1989 era back in 2014.

A very fun juxtaposition to think about in terms of a visual comparison.

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Attending Jack Antonoff’s wedding | Beach Haven, NJ | August 19, 2023

Larkspur & Hawk ‘Olivia Button Earrings’ – $1,200.00
Cartier ‘Agrafe Herringbone Twisted Necklace’ – $27,250.00
Erdem ‘Melora Ruffled Lace Corset Dress’ – $3,935.00 $1,967.00
Jacquie Aiche ‘Rose Cut Round + Marquise Finger Bracelet’ – $7,600.00
Gucci ‘Crystal Kid Scamosciato Mallory Slingback Sandals’ – sold out

What one can guess is the ceremony day, Taylor opted for a beautiful pale blue dress by Erdem. This feels like a vamped up daytime continuation of the lace two piece from the night prior. Adding a bit more length and replacing a scalloped hemline with a similarly textured ruffle detail is an A+ lesson in styling for the slideshow and building recognizable, repetitive motifs. Note to wedding guests if you need to plan multiple lewks over the course of a wedding weekend. This particular dress also maintains some sultry energy thanks to the moulded bustier-like cups and fitted bodice.

On the accessory front, to know me is to know I’m a fan of strappy, minimalist sandals. These ‘Scamosciato Mallory’ slingbacks are that while also being fun thanks to the crystal embellishments. Extra applause for going tonal with her accessories for a cohesive look.

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Out to dinner at Zero Bond | New York City, NY | August 17, 2023

Jennifer Zeuner ‘Tasha’ Earrings’ – $154.00
Ancosti ‘Patchwork Cap Sleeve Maxi Dress’ – $150.00
Jacquie Aiche ‘Rainbow Aura Quartz Necklace’ – $6,000.00
Louis Vuitton ‘Camera Box Bag’ – $3,450.00
The Row ‘Robin Booties’ – $1,680.00

There’s something quite Renaissance meets Disney princess in an autumnal wood meets modern trend look to this outfit. Which is to say that its mix of aesthetics to create something uniquely, delightfully ‘off’ but wonderful is what makes it a quintessential Taylor look.

In particular, the combination of a smaller indie brand like Ancosti, with a designer bag, and a trend-forward piece like a chunky sole boot is the embodiment of Taylor’s personal approach to fashion – a blend that is her own.

Speaking of the designer bag, Taylor is not a stranger to an LV monogram print bag. But this particular one – from the Fall 2023 runway – is her smallest so far. Her first was a larger tote from a limited collaboration with Christian Louboutin back in 2015. The second was a boxier ‘Cruiser’ she wore during some whirlwind summer travel in 2016. Here, she downsizes to a cute pocket-sized bag with the added refreshing factor of the contrast Reverse Monogram colourway that I think ties in neatly to the autumnal palette going on. And yes, I’m a proponent of mixing black and brown.

In the case of the black in this outfit – in a past life, Taylor may have worn this dress with flat, knee high boots. Or sky high nude pumps. Or two tone brogues (maybe a cream and cognac brown combo?). But here we see a nod to todays trends with a heavy, black, chunky sole stomp-worthy boot. Proof of the power of styling and accessorizing to truly change a look completely.

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The Eras Tour | folklore section | Version 5

Alberta Ferretti custom 

Like all the other folklore set gowns, the special 1989 blue version is a custom piece by Alberta Ferretti. Based on its split-sleeve shoulder-cape attachments, neckline, and lace-like embellishments feel the most similar to the Version 3 pink dress. 

While completely on brand to drive home the point of the evening, this icy blue colourway feels the most mismatched for the folklore aesthetic. Which is actually a good thing because it in my opinion raises an eyebrow immediately and signals to the audience that something is Off because something else that this gown is nodding to is coming. 

The point was to convey that she had something up her sleeve – literally, figuratively, stylishly. But then again, there’s also something kind of fascinating thinking about folklore being an album predominantly cast as wandering through forests and trees, walking through thick underbrush to discover different parts of yourself that perhaps you’re not entirely ready to face or put to words. And to me that made my heart stop is … doesn’t that sound a lot like that moment Taylor emerged from the “Out of the Woods” music video in that pale blue J. Mendel pleated dress.

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The Eras Tour | Speak Now section | Version 6

Nicole + Felicia Couture custom

Besides debut having no section at all (as a debut stan, will I ever let this go? doubtful), I personally find it charming that the album with the shortest section as part of the Eras Tour setlist has the most amount of costume variations. A lot of people have asked me, “Why?”

It’s simple: It’s extra. It’s dramatic. It’s couture. It’s for the fun of it. For the costuming of it!

It’s a moment to deliver on frivolity and flights of ephemeral whimsy. For an album that’s all about clinging to those last vestiges of girlhood, of innocence, of believing in fairytales and happily ever afters … Why wouldn’t you want to hold on to spinning around in a giant ball gown and relive those times when you last believed in the good in the world – right before being dashed at the foot of an ivory tower? These gowns are an embodiment and a fulfillment of those remaining hopes in true love. 

But back to this particular dress – the first on the final night of six in Los Angeles and also the final night of the U.S. leg of the Eras Tour (2023 Version). It was our first tip off that there was, indeed, a lot going on at the moment. And that makes sense to me because why not connect and segue her most recently released TV album with the next one set to be released. Creating a throughline for her projects through fashion? Yes – I am here for it. By doing this, it underlines the project while also reminding people of where she’s at in the journey to reclaim her first six albums. Three down, the fourth to come.I’m personally a sucker for a high, halter neckline like this and the crystal embellishments here? Swoon-worthy.

Based on the comet-like embellishments that light up across the gown I had guessed that this designer would be Zuhair Murad, who designed Version 2 of this dress which featured similar details, but no! The intricate beadwork and 3D floral embellishments here are bespoke Nicole + Felicia who now take the lead in creating gowns for this section of the show – having created half of the six (Versions 1, 5, and 6).

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“I Can See You” music video | July 7, 2023

This is not the first time that I’ve had to make a post like this. If you’ve been around long enough, you’ll recall the masterpost I made of all the archival outfits seen on past Taylor’s in the “LWYMMD” music video.

This was such a lovely trip down memory lane!

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“I Can See You” music video | July 7, 2023

Roberto Cavalli ‘Beaded Fringe Dress’ – $6091.00 (no longer available)

Taylor bringing forth all the feels by wearing the exact same outfit (pulled from the archives) that she wore to open the Speak Now Tour all those years ago. And never one to let a single detail slip – she also threw in some “Long Live” arm lyrics for the extra sentimental of us (aka all of us).

Worn with: Everybody boots

Also worn: Speak Now Tour

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The Eras Tour | Speak Now Section | Version 5

Nicole + Felicia Couture custom

Of course, what better way to honour Speak Now TV release weekend than a new and incredibly purple dress for what we can actually call a Speak Now ‘set’ thanks to Taylor surprising the crowd with fan favourite “Long Live” played on her heartwarmingly nostalgic Taylor Guitars koi fish 6-string she played every night on the Speak Now Tour.

The ombré sparkly multi layered tier confection here really is giving gown shaped like a pastry. It’s subtle, but I do like the accent details at the waist that add a little something of interest and also extra definition to give that voluminous skirt extra oomph.

And please don’t think it escaped my notice that this gown has three tiers.

It’s a dress worthy of Speak Now’s penchant for pageantry and romantic whimsy. I’m still partial to Version 1 but love seeing the “Enchanted” dress continue to rack up new versions.