A Monique Lhuillier in ‘Fifty Shades Darker’
gown. Meeting the deadline, Pilarsky’s silhouette-forming red see-through gown of and Swarovski crystals jumped off her sketch book.
Unfortunately, this immense effort of the designer and her team amounted to nothing when Miss Jamaica failed to walk the runway. “They said there would be
- noon of January 23, but if by 9 p.m. [the night before], we didn’t get a text message from the organizers, it would mean that our gown was approved WORLD famous Filipina designer Monique Lhuillier’s design and name figured prominently in the film adaptation of , the second chapter based on the worldwide best-selling phenomenon. The film is currently in its second week run in Philippine cinemas. what had happened, especially since no one even bothered to send some sort of apology. Eventually, Aces and Queen’s Jonas Gaffud showed Pilarsky a photo that Dalley unable to join the fashion show because she was not feeling well. Again, reactions descended upon social media with the development, and netizens started bashing Pilarsky all over again. “It was easy for them to say
Dakota Johnson as Anastasia Steele wore Lhuillier’s custom gown and capelet during the most lavish scene in the movie, where she and Jamie Dornan as Christopher Grey attend a masquerade ball.
Known for her glamour and modern elegance, the Los Angeles-based designer brilliantly captured Ana’s alluring beauty and vulnerability in the modern design. The liquid satin sheath gown with draped neckline and cross back in a silver hue exuded femininity and sophistication, while the handmade ostrich feather capelet added exquisite glamour for Ana’s grand entrance.
In keeping with the essence of her brand, Lhuillier’s design evoked an enchanting, yet sophisticated, vision by weaving together sensuous and modern elements for the character of Ana. The fluid silhouette of the dress, topped with the elegantly embellished capelet, is distinctly Monique Lhuillier. “I am so delighted to partner with Universal Pictures’
to design for the character of Anastasia Steele,” said Lhuillier. “Like the Monique Lhuillier woman, Ana radiates confidence and femininity, and so the gown I imagined for this iconic scene encapsulates that modern sophistication.”
Meanwhile, the film’s costume designer, Shay Cunliffe praised, “I often thought of Dakota in Monique’s stunning gown as a ‘beautiful siren of simplicity. We sent Monique ideas and images that evoke old Hollywood, and she and her team took the inspiration from there—crafting this stunning confection. Ana’s cape itself was a challenge—each feather was sewn by hand—but I felt it would magnify Ana’s showstopping entrance at the ball, hearkening back to the 1930s screen sirens. Monique also beautifully resolved our that because they did not know what we had to go through, the sleepless nights and the effort before and on the day of the auction. It was saddening to hear and read those comments,” Pilarsky admitted.
Pilarsky said she was somehow appeased when Dalley logy on Instagram account @missuniversejamaica.
“I want to formally apologize to designer Dr. Joyce Penas Pilarsky for not being able to walk for you earlier on the runway in the fashion show. Unfortunately I fell ill and was pulled from the fashion show and advised by the doctors to get some rest. I am greatly disappointed and truly sorry for any embarrassment caused,” wrote the beauty queen.
Moving on from the incident, Pilarsky chooses to look forward to a local fashion this month where she will be the featured designer.
She further shared with The ManilaTimes that despite her disappointing experience she is still - ties among them Liza Soberano, Angel Locsin, Iza Calzado and Heart Evangelista. Top of her list, however, is Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach.
Finally, when asked what she plans to do with her now infamous gown, Pilarsky jested, “Maybe I’ll put it in a museum build one for me!”
Dakota Johnson as Anastasia Steele wore Lhuillier’s custom gown and capelet during the most lavish scene in the movie, where she and Jamie Dornan as Christopher Grey attend a masquerade ball need to create a gown which can effortlessly slip to the ground…another feat of engineering.”
Lhuillier is internationally recognized as one of America’s foremost designers. Her label, established in 1996 together with Tom Bugbee, is considered one of the leading fashion houses in design, quality and creativity. With a passion for creating collections that are both feminine and modern, Lhuillier continues to design ready-to-wear, accessories and bridal collections that are luxurious, chic and true to her aesthetic.
Her Hollywood fans include Emma Stone, Blake Lively, Taylor Swift, Reese Witherspoon, Kristen Bell, Anna Kendrick and the First Lady Michelle Obama among others.