TV’s fashion guru has got the look
George Kotsiopoulos
For magazine editor, stylist and television star George Kotsiopoulos, fashion is a passion. The cohost of E!’s Fashion Police has loved all things fashion since he was a teen, and has parlayed that love into a very successful career. This week, Kotsiopoulos hosts Fashion’s Night Out at The Shoppes at The Palazzo on Sept. 6, a night that features a Q&A with Kotsiopoulos, chances to win shopping sprees and a trip to Hawaii, and a look at fall’s top looks from The Shoppes’ stores. Kotsiopoulos graciously answered a few questions from Las Vegas Magazine.
Q: This year marks the fourth anniversary of Fashion’s Night Out. Why do you think it’s an important night for fashion?
A: FNO is a wonderfully celebratory evening for people in the industry while giving an opportunity for people who are either completely unaware of fashion or afraid of it to gain exposure to a world that may have seemed out of reach. The bottom line is, it’s a fun night to visit elegant stores full of glorious clothes and beautiful people. Everyone is beautiful on FNO. FNO is the perfect time to be daring and explore shops and fashions that may seem intimidating.
Q: What makes Las Vegas, and The Shoppes at The Palazzo, in particular, such a great place for fashion?
A: The shopping in Las Vegas, particularly at The Shoppes at The Palazzo, rivals that of most major metropolises in the world! All of my fashion friends go bonkers when they get to Vegas because it becomes a shopping frenzy. Forget about gambling; it’s all about BUYING.
Q: What is the biggest fashion trend this year?
A: Fashion has become less and less trend-driven every year, so I say get what works on your body frame, within your lifestyle—and always keep your age in mind. A brilliant piece of fashion is similar to a piece of art, so buy what you love and you’ll wear it again and again. The more esoteric it is the better!
Q: What are your predictions for next year?
A: For women, I love the sleek leather looks from Givenchy, Valentino and Derek Lam that are a more grown-up take on the “rock n’ roll” leather trend from past seasons; the pantsuit trend is super huge, going from ’60s Carnaby Street psychedelia-inspired prints at Prada and Miu Miu to ’90s power dressing at Donna Karan and Ralph Lauren; and I also love the elaborately baroque looks at Dolce & Gabbana and Balmain. This sleek leather trend was also big on the men’s runways at YSL (Yves Saint Laurent) and Hermes. I also like the more playful prints at Lanvin, Burberry and Dior Homme, the brocade at Gucci and the Victorian suiting at Dolce & Gabbana.
Q: We’re moving into fall and winter. What are those seasons’ must-haves?
A: Styles like utilitarian military, pantsuits, oversized pieces, bursts of baroque, sophisticated skins and flamboyant furs are must-haves. Colors like winter white, crimsons and gilded golds.
Q: How has your gig as commentator on E!’s Fashion Police been going? What’s it like working with all of those strong personalities?
A: Life is good when I’m sitting with Joan, Kelly and Giuliana. The best part of my job as cohost of Fashion Police is twofold because I get to do my two favorite things every week: talking about clothes and laughing hysterically
Q: Who always lands on your best-dressed list?
A: Emma Stone, to me, embodies everything that a true movie star should be: chic, fashion-forward, relatable yet unattainable at the same time and of course FUN. She just seems to get it. I also admire Angelina Jolie for her consistency. She always looks very elegant in simple, classic looks that are never fussy.
Q: Is there anyone on your worst-dressed list?
A: I don’t focus on the worst dressed, because as a stylist I want people to look great and feel great in their clothes, so I don’t search out who looks bad. Some people are just eccentric or very artistic and want to express themselves through their clothing, which I will always applaud. Other times they are either ill informed or just have plain old bad taste. Sometimes, rarely, the two are combined, which is when you land on the worst-dressed list.
Q: Who are the hot up-and-coming fashion designers we should keep our eye on?
A: My favorite hot new designers are Juan Carlos Obando, Creatures of the Wind and Cushnie et Ochs along with shoe designer George Esquivel and the jewelry line Hoorsenbuhs.
