Best Red Carpet Dresses of 2011

Once again, it's time to reflect on the important events of the year 2011...you know, like when celebrities wear amazing runway gowns to events and pose on the red carpet.  Below is my roundup of favorite red carpet moments from the past year:

EMMA WATSON IN BOTTEGA VENETA

Bottega Veneta Fall 2011

Hermione is all grown up!  This dramatic Bottega Veneta gown is gorgeous, but the modern styling really took it to the next level.

ZOE SALDANA IN BALMAIN

Balmain Resort 2012

I love seeing Zoe on red carpets, because she is such a risk-taker.  This Balmain gown is business in the front, party in the back, and chic all over.

ROONEY MARA IN PRABAL GURUNG

Prabal Gurung Spring 2012

I have not seen The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo yet, but I am already a fan of Miss Mara's strong personal style.  Her red carpet looks have been striking, set off by her porcelain complexion and sleek raven hair.  This backless dress with cutouts would look vulgar on anyone else, but she is working it.

GWYNETH PALTROW IN ELIE SAAB

Elie Saab Spring 2012

Gwyneth's red carpet choices are usually very vanilla, but I have to admit, this look is flawless. This emerald color is so striking against Gwyneth's coloring, and the diamond choker necklace is a perfect finishing touch.


JANET JACKSON IN HAIDER ACKERMANN

Haider Ackermann Fall 2011

Is it just me or is this the best Janet Jackson has ever looked?  Top to bottom, this look is fierce. I love that Janet went the nontraditional route here and wore separates, and chose a more under-the-radar designer such as Ackermann.

KERRY WASHINGTON IN RALPH LAUREN

Ralph Lauren Fall 2011

So effing gorgeous, I can't stand it.  She is killing it.

KIRSTEN DUNST IN CHANEL COUTURE

Chanel Couture Spring 2010

After falling off the radar for a couple years, Kirsten really brought it to the red carpet at Cannes.  The silver-bodiced deconstructed tulle dress looks feminine and modern on her.

NICKI MINAJ IN OSCAR DE LA RENTA

Oscar de la Renta Spring 2012

Nicki Minaj's taste ususally verges on...how can I put this...uber tacky? But she hit a sartorial high note in this dramatic ball gown from Oscar de la Renta's spring collection. I even approve of the pink hair in this case, as a bit of a wink.

GWEN STEFANI IN STELLA MCCARTNEY

Stella McCartney Pre-Fall 2011

Disco-fabulous. The Jean Harlow hair, the fuchsia lip, the sequined JUMPSUIT on the red carpet--this look is perfection.


ROSIE HUNTINGTON-WHITLEY IN GUCCI

Gucci Fall 2011

What do you wear to a premiere when you're a knockout model-turned-actress?  A sheer-skirted Gucci runway dress, naturally.  And she pulls it off beautifully.


LADY GAGA IN ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

Alexander McQueen Spring 2012

This was one of my favorite looks from the McQueen spring show, so I was happy to see Gaga rocking it at the Bambi Awards. The gold armor-like bodice coordinates well with her award.

MADONNA IN VIONNET

Custom Vionnet gown

Stun-ning.  This custom Vionnet gown is downright low-key for Madonna, but she still manages to look every inch the superstar.   This quirky old Hollywood look suits her perfectly.

KAROLINA KURKOVA IN JEAN PAUL GAULTIER COUTURE

Jean Paul Gaultier Couture Spring 2011

Karolina Kurkova showed the world how to wear Gaultier couture at the Met Gala.  You must be a supermodel to pull this one off.