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Dustin Quick in Sue Wong Fashion

AVANT GARDE Magazine CEO/Editor-in-Chief Michelle Long

Sue Wong unraveled this power and is known for her Goddess inspired fashion staples which certainly are fit for a queen. To unveil this orthodox meets modern combo, The AVANT GARDE Magazine ALCHEMYY & MASQUERADE PRINCELY BALL in association with renowned fashion envoy Sue Wong, had organized a prolific event at the memorable Artisan Building, Avant Garde Magazine’s main office in Trendy Uptown Whittier to laud Princely Royal family SCHAUMBURG-LIPPE.

The event was a major success because of an exclusive idea behind coordinating the elegance and sensuality into its Halloween theme ‘Marie Antoinette meets Phantom of the Opera’  along with airing the most contemporary, flattering and outstanding fashion trends by the House of Sue Wong. Along with Sue, the dignitary designer Rocky Gathercole, Betty Long and Oksanna also exhibited their statement fashion staples.

The dignitaries who graced the evening with their presence included H.H. Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe, H.H. Dr. Princess Antonia Schaumburg-Lippe and H.H. Prince Waldemar Schaumburg-Lippe:

The event was officially inaugurated by H.H. Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe with a 1920’s style based dance performance on Duke Ellington/C Jam Blues allegorical music:

The models showed off Sue Wong creations which were a piece of art to be admired. The stunning and elaborate creations of the designer added life to her models:

The event was a perfect blend of art, tradition, fashion and monarchical elegance. Famous personalities, artisan, vocalists and fashionistas, were all present with the best of their art and it was a mesmerizing and captivating sight to watch.

The night was magical and filled with mysterious colors of Halloween which were readily evident in the costumes of the attendees. Ladies were all dressed in extravagant gowns accessorized with ornate head pieces and faces covered with masks, which gave them all enigmatic and seductive gaze. Nothing beats the sensual yet captivating allure of the masquerade ball and this event was the mother of all events.

The gentlemen looked absolutely dapper in their tuxedos and masks:

The evening was a star studded event and the cameras never stopped flashing. The celebrities included pop opera sensation Michael Peer, the Grammy success record composer Omar Akram, the Oscar Winner superstar Margaret O’ Brien, the esteemed President for Southern California Motion Picture council and the former Hollywood star Randal Malone, the dignified Lord John Michael Capaldi, the ever notorious fashion coordinator Parris Harris, the revered founder and CEO Sonia Ete fron Academy of Couture Art and many others.

The designers and their protégés would have been hard pressed to miss out on an event as dynamic and enchanting as this one thus top models and designers were spotted in the high profile event including designer Oksanna Romanov and her models wearing beautiful creations by her including painted bridal dresses which were fit for a Picasso painting, designer Gordana Gehlhausen, designer Betty Long, Haute Couture designer Pol’ Atteu from Pol’ Atteu Haute Couture of Beverly Hills.

Performers who gave their lifetime performances in the event include Opera icon Nick Palance, Blake Fullmer, Model come Actress Dustin Quick and international star Maria Elena Infantino.

All the dignitaries, artists and guests thoroughly enjoyed the event and reckoned it as one of its kind. Alongside full-fledged entertainment, they can also availed the chance of receiving free testers from the iconic designer SUE WONG fragrance.

As a matter of fact, words are not enough to reveal the fascination, glamour and allure that this extravagant event actually wrapped in it. It was fun, entertainment and above all the unification of fashion, art and royal endowment. The crowd loved it and expressed their desire for the event to be held ritually with the same magic and charisma.

Photos by Nelson Shen & Francois Palais!

Los Angeles’ Otis College presented 2015 Creative Awards to three well respected honorees at the black tie gala:

Carlos Alberini; chairman of the Board and CEO of Lucky Brand jeans -

Trina Turk; founder and fashion designer of her own clothing brand –

and Gary Schoenfeld; president and CEO of Pacsun.

My favorite design was from the Sea Collection by Jessica Choi, winner of this fashion show.  She was mentored by Bob Mackie, who is known for his success in the disparate fields of theater and fashion. Many of the pieces in the Sea Collection have characteristics of the costumes Mackie had designed years ago.

Designer Bob Mackie –

Obviously if you think about water you think about beach or sea and then you would think of swim suits, crochet, breezy, flowy outfits. The whole collection had elements of this year’s spring and summer fashion trends such as; long silhouettes that tied at the waist, ballerina effect, sultry sheer, feathers and fringe, hippie, and romantic lace. The colors featured in the fashion show followed the season’s color trend of cooler and softer color choices with more subtle warm tones following a minimalistic theme.

This piece from the collection is particularly intriguing to me, it is the perfect imitation of a jelly fish. The dress has a high-low asymmetrical silhouette to it almost seems like how jellyfishes look when they are moving their bodies up and down under the water. I really love how this dress has tie dye towards the bottom like how jellyfishes usually have a darker color at the bottom but in this case it’s lighter at the bottom. Another good imitation of a jellyfish element is the transparency of jellyfishes, you see that where the one-shoulder part connects to the dress is mesh to show the see-thoroughness:

This dress, I believe, is another imitation of a jellyfish but a very different kind. As you can see the color is a lot brighter compared to the other dress. You see a lot of tie dye all over the dress, another difference is how the dress is pouffed, the pouf starts from the waist and it goes all the way to the calf, it’s a bigger jellyfish compared to the other dress. I really like how the model was accessorized, the two blue flaps above the ear seems to symbolize some sort of fins:

Another imitation of a sea creature is this piece; very obvious, this is a lionfish. The first image that came to my mind when I saw this dress was a starfish lying at the bottom of the ocean sand. The starfish is very evident on this dress, and the sand part to me is the mesh against the skin. The reason why I thought of the bottom of the ocean because how dark the skirt of this dress is, usually the deeper you go underwater the darker the blue of the ocean seems:

This feathery skirts and feathery coats were inspired by Mackie’s Fall 2001 “Foreign Intrigue” collection:

This gown has the characteristics of many of the season trends. The elegant tulle ballerina-inspired dress in this dusty pale rose color with feathers hung delicately from the slit to the bottom gives me a luxury bohemian feel. One other trend I didn’t mention before was the one-shoulder cuts, believe it or not, shoulders have become the sexiest part of our body this year:

Another really great piece from Jessica’s collection is also a ballerina-inspired style dress with long tutu-like skirt with long silhouette tied at the waist, also one of this season’s popular trends, in a beautiful subtle mustard color with emerald green and lustrous lavender at the bottom of the skirt. The long obi belt is considered to be one of spring’s most flattering trends inspired by the flowy kimono look:

This coral themed dress featured the tutu-like feathery skirt with a sultry sheer high neck top. This scandalous sheer fabric look is seen in many designs at the New York Fashion Week of this spring, such as Ralph Lauren, Delpozo, Rodarte, and Vera Wang:

As you all know, Trina Turk, has a knack for colors and patterns. The pieces mentored by her are inspired by architectures. You see a lot of the colors used in her Resort collection used in the pieces, such as, orange, neon pink, and electric violet:

The Otis fashion show has inspired me with its water themed fashion designs this year. It is very motivational to see students being mentored by industry designers such as Zaid Affas, Joe McCarty for Lane Bryant, Liliana Casabal for Morgane Le Fay, Trina Turk, and Bob Mackie, lingerie designer Mary Jo Bruno, in-house designers from Urban Outfitters, Isobella & Chloe childrenswear, Anne Cole swimwear, Quiksilver, DC and Roxy, and PacSun! In 2014, Los Angeles’ Otis College raised $1 Million with designer-mentored student fashion show for the scholarship fund.

1. Charity: use fashion to convey the message of “Do Good”

Style Fashion Week, the Official Fashion Week of Los Angeles raised awareness for fight against heart disease in women with a star studded Go Red Fashion Show, to benefit American Hearts Association. Celebrities such as Janice Dickinson (first super model), Carmit Bachar (Pussy Cat Dolls) along with her adorable daughter Keala and many other talents proudly walked the runway:

2 . Celebrity models and guests

LA Fashion Week has become a cultural phenomenon with acclaimed designers and celebrity attendance. Rapper 50 Cent attended Art Hearts Fashion watching his son Sire on the runway debuting with mother Daphne Joy:

Real House Wives of Beverly Hills’ Lisa Venderpump hosted Style Fashion Week opening reception at her newly opened Pump restaurant in West Hollywood:

Real house wives of Orange County’s Gretchen Rossi walked the runway for New Orleans designer Pedram Pasha Taheri’s Pedram Couture Collection:

Bai Ling modeled and danced on the runway for designer Andrea Soriano at Style Fashion Week:

3. Hale Bob How many of you love prints? I am a super fan of prints/patterns so needless to say, Hale Bob designs have captured my heart.

4. Nicole Miller Another headliner NY designer Nicole Miller, one of my previous client, also presented itself at Art Hearts Fashion. Let’s give it a toast as well:

5. Kids fashion Los Angeles Fashion Week gets adorable with kids waggling the runway! The audience has boiled up and been conquered by these cute little angels.

6.  Oriental + Egytpian fusion

While Philipino designer Cary Santiago’s embroidery work is more oriental with Buddha and temple print, the stunning head pieces looked more like an Egyptian King. I am a super fan of exotic styles. This feel of sacred mystery is absolutely a thriller to me.

7. Controversy+conceptual design

Finnish conceptual designer Antti Asplund brought his new collection HETEROPHOBIA (means ʼthe fear of the differentʼ; ‘no fear of the different we are all equal’) to US this spring. The collection speaks out for the equality of people regardless of attributes, appearances or opinions and takes a stance on supporting the equal marriage everywhere. European designers are well respected for merging fashion with art and quality craftsman work. HETEROPHOBIA is eccentric but refreshing with a unique story. Another outlier design I favors:

8. Tiki Oasis + Polynesia

Designer Koco Blaq takes you all the way to the tropical French Polynesia islands with dresses and swim wear in unique and colorful tiki prints. Needless to say, I am in love with these tribal masks

9. African style

Vibrant and wild African style is another top exotic beauty in my eye. Style fashion week dedicated a night to peace in Haiti and tribute to womanhood.

10. Futuristic + modern 

Actress/model turned designer Coco Johnsen’s collection gives more of a futuristic feel. The tribal face paint and make up has drastically lifted the effect and made her designs look even more indispensable. Talented and young, Japanese designer Daiki Shimizu has taken North American fashion weeks by storm with his exquisite modern contemporary pieces.

11. Celebrity favorite punk style

Ashton Michael designed custom pieces for celebrities as diverse as Cher, Will.i.am, Usher, JLO, Chris Brown, Janelle Monae, Miguel, Ciara, and Pitbullhas. His designs appeared in Super Bowl, VMA’s, AMA’s and other award show videos.

Boy London was originally started by started by Stephane Raynorin 1976 with a vision to “make pop star clothing accessible not only to the rich and famous, but to the KIDS ALL OVER THE WORLD!”. Boy George, Elton John, Madonna, The Pet Shop Boys, many other media stars have worn the “BOY LONDON” look.

12. Mens fashion

13. Twins

Not to mention, LA Fashion Week got the twins:

14. Haute Couture Lingerie

Latrodectus By Kaila Methven, who has studied at one of the top french fashion school Esmod, is art + Gothic + couture. Her marvelous pieces are inspired by the Victorian era, showcasing a variety of couture bras, corsets, jackets and her signature piece the tutu tube skirt. The show was so eye catching that it has driven the night to the top.

15. Entertainment: hot dance, rappers and opera singer 

Meet the talented designers:

Photos by Nelson Shen, Art Hearts Fashion and Style Fashion Week

Fashion designers of my outfits:

Versace Jeans, Ted Baker London, Diane von Furstenberg,

7 for All Mankind, Elle Moss, One Teaspoon, Katharine Kidd, Clover Canyon, ASOS

Canine Companions (cci.org) is a nonprofit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to children, adults and veterans with disabilities. Established in 1975, Canine Companions has six training centers across the country. Canine Companions is recognized worldwide for the excellence of its dogs, and the quality and longevity of the matches it makes between dogs and people. The whimsical event raised over $70,000 for Canine Companions. The event funded the placement of an assistance dog with a person with a disability in Los Angeles County!

Celebrity judges are ready and enjoyed a great night of show:

Linda Purl, a beloved television, film, and stage actress and recording artist; Denny Seiwell, founding member of the post-Beatles phenomenon WINGS -

Sean Blakemore, series regular on the long running hit Daytime Drama series, “General Hospital”; NBC 4’s Holly Hannula; and Ian Zeiring, who is best known for his role on “Beverly Hills, 90210” and more recently was “Fin” in the “Sharknado” movies - 

Emcee Kate Luhr, producer and co-host of the show “Broadly Speaking: Comedy that Makes you Think, made the audience burst into one after another laughter  with her humorous way of interacting with doggie models on the stage -

One of our beloved best friends, Pluto made the opening dance for the night The audience started getting quite excited -

Dogs are such great companions of our life, whether they are a pet being a family member, or assistance dogs trained to make everyday life easier for adults and children with physical and developmental disabilities. Canine Companion assistance dogs open and close doors, retrieve dropped objects and activate light switches. Outside of physical tasks, Canine Companions assistance dogs provide immeasurable emotional benefits to their human partners. Canine Companions assistance dogs, their training and ongoing follow-up services are provided free.

With their unconditional love, dogs are like our teachers. They teach we human how to love, give and be selfish-less. Now without further ado, let’s reveal the stage and meet the haute models.

This is the very kind of fashion show where the models amuses you rather than give you a poker face. Show attendees were super charged and laughed all the way with these cute overloads (Warning: some pictures below might be too touchy, adorable and emotionally arousing for some of the readers) -

BeBe and me -

(Photos by Jared Cowan Photography)

Celebrity supporters included Lisa Vanderpump, Ronda Rousey (UFC), Bo Roberts (300: Rise of an Empire), Jessica Burciaga (Supermodel), Edyta Sliwinska (Dancing with the Stars), Max Ryan (Sex and the City) Sofia Milos (CSI) and more, who attended to support and raise awareness for IceLink’s new 3 month charity links campaign where they will donate 10% of proceeds from each yellow, green, red, pink & turquoise bracelets to the Special Needs Network, which are the charity colors.  The bracelets are available at  Macys.com, the IceLink Boutique Online Shop & Worldwide retailers.

IceLink Owner’s Andy & Suzy Sogoyan with Star of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Lisa Vanderpump, Ken Todd and Giggy! 

I personally want to dedicate a post to Icelink’s #TheLinkParty also because of Lisa Vanderpump. Recently I watched Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and really liked Lisa Vanderpump’s classy and mature personality. When seeing her at the Icelink party, I don’t really know anything about her other than being a reality show star. I always believed in the philosophy that a lady should be classy, even nowadays the influence of Hollywood could be diverting from this value. Lisa inspires me to continue being who I am rather than following the crowd and norm. She still has the European manner and etiquette system with her, Something I personally experienced at a ball in Europe last month.

Lisa Vanderpump wears her Pink IceLink 6timezone and bicycle bracelet to #thelinkparty at the IceLink Boutique

UFC Champion Ronda Rousey Attends #TheLinkParty wearing her IceLink6Timezone watch    

Icelink sponsor Forgiato customizes a client’s Bentley with IceLink 6Timezone Clock

 Icelink Bicycle Link Bracelet

So I went to The Guild of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Los Angeles’ annual Accessories for Success Spring Luncheon and Kyle by Arlene fashion show yesterday at the Beverly Hills Hotel as it seems fit into the category of fashion and charity. For 59 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles, one of the largest youth mentoring organizations in the country, has served children and families facing adversity by providing one-to-one youth mentoring services and ongoing support. Founded in 1985, the Guild is dedicated to promoting awareness and raising financial support for For Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles.

Now let’s take a look at the It Girls I interviewed at the event and their spring style picks.

Five-time Emmy Award-winning actress Heather Tom will emcee for the luncheon and she is in lovely Kate Spade colors -

Honoree Lee Phillip Bell, Co-Creator of Emmy award-winning daily dramas , “The Young and the Restless”, “The Bold and the Beautiful”, and Emmy Award-winning Host of “The Lee Phillip Show”, also went with spring color by wearing St John pastel blue suite -

If you are wearing black/white, add a colored clutch -

The informal fashion show features Kyle by Alene Too, a premier luxury women’s boutique in Beverly Hills with a partnership between The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kyle Richards and upscale fashion retailer Alene Too owner Lizzy Schwartz.

Kyle by Alene Too models -

For a formal fashion & celebrity event like this, I picked a leopard halter dress, with a pair of wood colored heels to match. To add even more high fashion & spring accent, and avoid looking like a boring piece of wood, I decided to boldly use a purple babydoll styled trench coat to contrast -

 Frowning my eyes because of the bright sun

However I was instantly captivated by the renowned couture designer’s highly elegant fashion show. Zang Toi has built timeless style and tradition for over 20 years. US editor-in-chief Anna Wintour featured Toi in the March 1990 issue. He has also been on other major publications: Vanity Fair, Time and New York Times. Toi has dressed A-list celebrities such as: Sharon Stone, Eva Longoria, Elizabeth Taylor etc.

Personally passionate about Ballet, Zang Toi started his show with his Ballet inspired spring 2014 collection. An angel faced model made the opening of the night; walked slowly out by waving her chiffon train, creating a beautiful butterfly image –

Then Toi brings us back to 1930′s with the elegant Shanghai fusion. Green traditionally isn’t a color I’d challenge but Toi told a different story on how to be elegant and chic in emerald -

Designer Zang Toi -

Photos by Cathedral City High School DATA program

Lovely Betsey Johnson herself made a quite stage presence at the end of the show by splitting her legs and doing some workout amusement. I acknowledge this totally matches with her position in the fashion industry, and especially she is the most well known designer of the ’14 LA style fashion week.

Photos by Nelson Shen

Let’s take a look at our fashionable It Girls of the night on the red carpet -

Oscars styles will always be a timeless and classic old hollywood glam look. I did hair and makeup in Taylor Swift red carpet look, wearing an elegant Pamella Roland gown:

It boys of the night has more of an ‘advanced style’. Many are former awards winners:

James Cromwell, Babe’s papa, is wearing a black suite with an amber brown colored scarf -

Remember our pink babe? -

Jon Voight, in black suite and bow tie with a white scarf, is sexy goddess Angelina Jolie’s father. Jon Voight has won best actor for his 1978 film ‘Coming Home’. He played father of his real life daughter in ‘Lara Croft: Tomb Raider’.

Anna-Marie Costello is Miss Oklahoma 2013, who undoubtedly had the best gown of the night. She is wearing a deep sea blue Sherri Hills dress, with a stunning multilayered train: