I know why the Brit star gets under my skin at the awards shows. She is an actor, but can't get past a screen test on winning honors. For example, her "I'm shocked and speechless" affect at the Golden Globes, was followed by an off-camera request for her to in that case exit the stage, that she in turn rebuked with an "I'm not leaving until I read my speech." She also claimed to have revered Meryl Streep since the 33 year old Winslet was a little girl. Ouch. (I'll take her out for you, Meryl. Just say the word.) Then there is the "Oh, I couldn't have plastic surgery; I need it of course, and don't have anything against it, but my hubby won't stand for it," schtick which is patronizing tripe. But I wanted to be completely objective when I saw her on the red carpet. Severe, tailored, glamorous, and one-shouldered but flattering to her decollete and physique, and despite what others have criticized as a too dominatrix hairstyle, I liked the style. We don't all live on the beach, and an updo is completely appropriate with formal wear; it should be encouraged, even. But then, wait. What was that on the tulle? Were those - hearts? Big black hearts on an all-serious gown? Lesson: You can blend thrift shop with couture, but be careful mixing formal with any design you might find in a Hallmark store.
What I found most inspiring this year was the number of perfect bustlines. Those that worked offered softness and coverage, an interesting ruffle or a mid-century modern cut. Even Miley Cyrus, whose dress walks the line between beautiful and Little Mermaid (I've decided that the singer/starlet has the style moxie of Cate Blanchett - a good thing), knows how to show just enough to keep men interested but the cat calls at bay. (At left, from left, Daniel Craig's wife Fiona Loudon , Diane Lane, Alycia Keys, Miley and Letisha Cyrus.)
Other frontages done right are - perhaps the rightest - include V
iola Davis in a big fav Reem Akra. The dress does it all. Melissa George's Dior neckline is simply wonderful, but the jewelry is too lightweight to offset the intense blues and blacks, heavy satins, and patent leather belt. Tareji Hensen shows how weight matters, with her own powerful necklace. But it is a harder call if the beautiful neckline worn by Evan Rachel Wood (in Elie Saab) is enough. The fact that the dress is the same color as her skin helps make the earrings stand out, although the effect is more dramatic in Streep's selection with the draped neckline, deep color that compliments the skin and hair tone, and dangling earrings. Lesson: Accessorizing is hard. Sometimes the dress is enough, but if in doubt, seek other opinions.
But color, as we mentioned above, doesn't get enough attention. Everyone coo'd over Natalie Portman dress (with a lovely bustier that fit her perfectly), but a stronger hue would have kept her from disappearing. The same is true with Robin Roberts who actually carried the halter dress well, but she needed more color, more power: deeper, as with Amanda Seyfried in her Valentino. Valentino understands the power of color. Another alternative for Roberts would have been to go lighter, because of the deep tones in her skin.
Frontages that showed a lot of breast or destroy the form or ignore underarm issues mock the red carpet. Did Sarah Jessica Parker get implants? I don't care if she did, but a gown should not make that that the foremost question in my mind. Queen Latifa was almost perfect - see how much better the connected side looked than the shoulder that was left to battle with gravity? I love Penelope, but not in ironsides underwear. For more insight into how the exo-skeleton look fails, see Naomi Watts and Sheryl Crow in their Vanity Fair after-Oscar party dresses, here.
Another popular look is the Italian Restaurant. It works on Amy Adams (in Herrera) and Susan Downey (inBluMarine), but even with a Prada label - or because of it - GQ's most perfect body-girl, Jessica Biel, disappears. When she hosted the Geek Oscars three weeks before, she chose a dress that complimented her skin, hair, and make up color, and looked regal enough for the occasion. The Fashion Police may adore Biel in the Prada, but all I saw is a woman who could barely walk, looking like she was hobbling to the shower. Lesson: A label is no guarantee.
Finally, I have to ask. Did Capote fly in from a skiing vacation? As for Heidi, great hair, great earrings, great color, great neckline, but I would have adored this more with fewer slits. Her jewelry about her neck and forearm, was perfect. Find out what she is wearing and buy some for yourself. Mary Hart reminds us that crinkles work best with solid colors. Otherwise it looks like you slept in the gown.
See you at the Kennel Club.
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