One of my favorite pastimes is watching the red carpet. I am a fanatic for haute couture gowns. But, alas, I no longer have cable, and hence, I don’t get to watch E!’s pre-awards show coverage like the good ole days of yore. However, my recap of last year’s Golden Globes was one of the most fun to write, so I decided I wouldn’t deny myself the pleasure of (nit)picking last night’s fashion. But I must add the disclaimer that without having seen the fashion in action, waltzing down the carpet, my analysis is based solely on still photos.
BEST RISKIEST CHOICE: Lucy Liu
This dress is one that a lot of people won’t like, but I totally love it. Yes, it’s reminiscent of wallpaper you’d find hung in the family dining room of a 19th century house, but somehow Lucy Liu is pulling off this dress. The shape is classic ball gown as done by Carolina Herrera, but the bold, floral print is unexpected and gorgeous. Lucy’s long, fishtail braid brings a modern touch to the look. And with so much going on in the dress, it was smart to select simple, diamond drop earrings as her only jewelry.
BEST DRESS THAT DIDN’T LIVE UP TO IT’S POTENTIAL: Olivia Munn
This dress is Giorgio Armani from the Spring 2013 collection. The fit is perfect. The turquoise beaded bodice on top of a sleek black column skirt is oh so chic. But everything above the neckline falls flat. Don’t get me wrong, Olivia Munn is a beautiful girl. (Bit of unrelated trivia: She was a guest when I saw the Jimmy Fallon show live in NYC.) But the hair and makeup is all wrong. The dress is modern, so why not sleek, straight hair worn down, or if pulled back, maybe a deep-parted chignon? And no flyaways – get this woman some hairspray! For makeup, I would have opted for inky-black lined eyes or a bright pink lip. Maybe something like this look that Olivia has worn before. And the Chopard necklace is stunning, but it competes too much with the beading and straight neckline of the bodice. I would have tried diamond chandelier earrings and perhaps a bold cuff bracelet.
MOST BRILLIANT BAUBLES: Jessica Alba
Jessica Alba looked beautiful in her Oscar de la Renta gown. The salmon color was a dream against her skin. And the tangerine lip and ombré Veronica Lake waves were a nouveau interpretation of old Hollywood glamour. But the real standout of this look is the Harry Winston necklace. It looks so classic and the V-shape is a perfect match for the sweetheart neckline of the gown. When Jessica stepped on the stage to present an award, it was the first thing I noticed. Upon further research, that necklace is worth $5.8 million!
BEST SEASONALLY APPROPRIATE GOWN: Kate Hudson
Yes, it’s high season for the red carpet and time to wear all the best in haute couture, but let’s remember it is also the winter season. And yes, I know the Golden Globes take place in Los Angeles, but I checked, and the temperature was in the 50’s yesterday during the red carpet procession. So not only do I think this Alexander McQueen number that Kate Hudson is wearing is absolutely stunning, the long sleeves are also a wise choice for the brisk weather. I’m not quick to choose a black gown as one of my favorites, but the gold detailing around the neckline and in the belt makes it truly one of a kind. The gold details are a perfect complement to Kate’s always sunny, golden complexion and hair.
BEST COUPLE: Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck
If I didn’t love Jenn and Ben so much for their work (she for being a bad-ass in Alias, he for being an outstanding director), I’d have to hate them. They just look like the perfect couple with their adorable three children and their seemingly normal lives. Kinda makes you want to vomit. However, I can’t begrudge them for how they looked last night. Jennifer’s Vivienne Westwood gown was an amazing scarlet, sparkly confection. The fit is beautiful, especially in the décolletage zone. The tousled hair, smokey eye and gold door-knocker earrings complement the sexiness of the neckline. And Ben is holding up his end of the couple in a perfectly-tailored, three-piece Gucci tux and well-groomed beard. So handsome. Plus, I will add that Argo was my favorite film of the year, so congrats to the Garner-Afflecks!
BEST OF THE NIGHT: Emily Blunt
I had to really study the game tape to make this decision. Emily Blunt wore a gilded lace Michael Kors gown. The cutouts were seductive but not too risqué. Wearing her hair in a topknot, she showed off the most spectacular Lorraine Schwartz earrings. The fuchsia and gold color combination is magnificent, also picked up in the bangles. The bronze eye-makeup and pink lips are so, so pretty. And it doesn’t hurt that Emily has a banging body. She totally wins.
So Beautypendents, what were your fave looks of the night? Write in your comments!
Images: Lucy Liu, Olivia Munn, Jessica Alba, Kate Hudson, Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck, Emily Blunt