RED HANDED RED CARPET

Every woman knows that one sure fire way to get noticed is to wear red.   The color of passion and blood is hard to resist and hard to deny as an eye catching entrance maker.   Red has been an alluring color for centuries, having a royal appeal and commanding respect from the red carpet royalty of Hollywood - all the way to the Vatican.   The image of the Pope wearing his ceremonial red robes are as famous as any article of clothing ever worn.   I've written about the power of wearing Red in Rome before, but it is seen in full force this as we head into  the holiday season.

BLAKE LIVELY IN VERSACEThe 2009 Emmy Awards had a stunning display of Red Gowns on the Red Carpet.   Two of the brightest stars that night were Blake Lively of Gossip Girl in Versace, and Debra Messing in Michael Kors.

DEBRA MESSING IN MICHAEL KORSWhen you think of Red and Fashion, you should think of two fashion empires.   Valentino Garavani made red his color of choice for the ultimate gown several decades ago.   Every collection in his 50+ years career was certain to have at least 1 stunning red finale gown.    The luxury fashion house of Salvatore Ferragamo has been hand crafting the finest artisinal quality designs for over 80 years.  FERRAGAMO FALL 2009 Salvatore himself loved red shoes and was known among the leading ladies of Hollywood as the source for shoes that were dyed to match any fashion creation your costume designer had dreamt up.    For fall there are gorgeous red and burgundy knits in the Ferragamo collection that are a must have for travel!     Ferragamo also uses red as it's signature color for packaging.   Men and Women all over the world know that if they receive that deep red box - something absolutely beautiful is soon to be theirs!

DR. POZZI AT HOME - JOHN SINGER SARGENT The most controversial red fashion item of the 19th century was an anonymous design.   The famous portait artist John Singer Sargent took the bold move to paint his subject - Dr. Pozzi in his home wearing a bright red dressing gown.   Shocking at the time, as any person of a certain social standing would be painted in their most formal attire.   Adding to the controversy was the fact that Dr. Pozzi was the father of French Gynecology and a renowned ladies man.   Dr. Pozzi was the the most famous French doctor of his time and he toured Europe, South America, and the United States lecturing on his 400+  published journals.  Sargent's portrait of the Dr.  sent many pulses racing.   The portrait became one of JSS's most famous works and is in the permanent collection of my favorite museum in the the United States- The Hammer Museum.    The next time you are in L.A., make a trip to the Hammer Museum in Westwood Village and fall in love for yourself.   The Hammer is an intimate experience and any exhibit there is a treat.  Part of the UCLA endowment,  the museum is a must see.  Westwood Village is a charming community that is best known as the home to the UCLA campus. JASON - SELF PORTRAIT AT THE HAMMER   There are a ton of casual restaurants, cafes, and  of course students teaming through the area and giving it a unique pulse.   The neighborhood is also home to several vintage movie theaters that are used by the major movie studios for premiere events.   

I have stayed at the nearby W hotel many times and it is a great place to relax and feel tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood or Beverly Hills.   One of the coolest concierges in LA is at the W.   Erica Blumfield is as pleasant and personable as can be!  Erica always has great tips on shopping, eating, and the hottest thing to do at night!   During my last visit Ms. Blumfield kept me well informed by holding a NY Post for me every morning as I stumbled out to get my Starbucks fix!    Click W for Westwood reservations.  

Get out and find your red, hot item to rock your wardrobe for fall!!