Best known for his copies of Academy Awards gowns, designer Allen Schwartz appears regularly on Entertainment Tonight as a style expert and also frequents fashion segments on CNBC, CNN, the Today Show and Oprah.
I spoke with Allen today about his choices for this year’s “red carpet inspired” dresses. Each year, Allen and his team watch the Oscar’s and furiously sketch many of the designer gowns worn by the movie stars. By morning, they’ve decided which dresses they will replicate, and in record speed, A.B.S. versions of the gowns hit the stores in May.
What does he look for when deciding which dresses to replicate?
“We’re looking for who really looks pretty. But also a dress that is wearable, that is forgiving. We think about a broader audience. Not everyone looks like J.Lo!”
His choices this year:
Cameron Diaz’s strapless Oscar de la Renta
Jennifer Lopez in Armani Prive
Sandra Bullock in an embelished Marchesa column
Kate Winslet in Yves Saint Laurent
Penelope Cruz in a garnet Donna Karan
“They all looked amazing.”
Dresses will be available in stores in May, carrying a retail price of $200-$345 instead of the $20,000-$30,000 of the originals. For more information about where you can find A.B.S. dresses, visit www.absstyle.com.
UPDATE:
Less than 48 hours later, Mr. Schwartz and his team have completed the dresses! They shared with me this photo:
From left, the inspirations: Penelope, Jennifer, Kate, Sandra, Cameron
Learn how to dress for your body type and reflect your personality in your wardrobe – so you can look and feel great. Whether you work in the home or at the office, I can help simplify your life by redefining and refreshing your image.
Whether we like it or not, the world makes judgments about an individual based on appearance. Being attractively dressed and put-together makes a good first impression for job interviews, meetings with clients, and first dates. Dressing to look your best says that you respect yourself and what you’re doing.
Research about first impressions at Harvard University concluded that we make an in-depth and long-lasting impression in a mere two seconds. Perhaps more surprising, the first impression is seldom subject to change.
When you meet someone face-to-face, 93% of how you are judged is based on non-verbal data – your appearance and your body language. Only 7% is influenced by the words that you speak.
Is your appearance communicating the right things about you to make a great first impression?
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“True elegance consists of not having a closet bursting with clothes,but rather in having a few
well – chosen items in which one feels totally at ease.” -Coco Chanel
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For that something extra special, consider a complete makeover for yourself or a loved one! Including a haircut and style, professional makeup application and wardrobe styling, the complete makeover is also documented by professional photographer Marisa Bettencourt. The complete makeover is a treat for any woman and a wonderful gift. Gift certificates are available.
Jill Marinelli is a personal stylist and regular contributor to The Rhode Show on FOX Providence. Her work has also been featured in RI Monthly magazine. Jill helps women of all ages and sizes develop style and confidence through wardrobe updates that are both functional and fun!www.jmstylist.com
Kirsten Brusse is a professionally licensed makeup artist with over 15 years experience working for companies like Trish McEvoy, Bobbi Brown, Chanel and Stila. She has an extensive portfolio of weddings, magazine and television work. As well, Kirsten teaches classes and seminars that focus on each woman’s unique beauty and a “less is more” approach to makeup application.www.myjolivisage.com
Racquel Donnelly is a hair stylist at Vis-a-Vis Hair Design in Providence. A graduate from Warwick Beauty Academy, her professional highlights include vintage updos, mini-makeovers, and styling for The Rhode Show.
“I love telling a story with my photography…some of my favorite shoots are those where I get to capture a beginning, a middle and an end.” When she’s not taking pictures, Marisa enjoys oil painting, sewing and working as a preschool teacher. She lives in RI with her husband, filmmaker David Bettencourt, their three sons and a yellow lab named Dunkin Donuts.www.marisabettencourt.com
"Cleaning out my closet with you might be the best thing that has happened to me in 2010! I am so happy! Your expertise and advice are mixed with wisdom and sensitivity. You brought the knowledge of fashion to my house."
Best known for his copies of Academy Awards gowns, designer Allen Schwartz appears regularly on Entertainment Tonight as a style expert and also frequents fashion segments on CNBC, CNN, the Today Show and Oprah.
From left, the inspirations: Penelope, Jennifer, Kate, Sandra, Cameron
Whether we like it or not, the world makes judgments about an individual based on appearance. Being attractively dressed and put-together makes a good first impression for job interviews, meetings with clients, and first dates. Dressing to look your best says that you respect yourself and what you’re doing.
