Best of the Oscars 2012 Red Carpet

I couldn't summon up the energy to do an Oscars rundown yesterday, because the red carpet left me a little bored.  Yes, there were actresses that looked good, in the sense that they wore something figure-flattering and pretty, but I wanted to be wowed.  Where were the dramatic gowns?  Where were Tilda and Cate Blanchett??  Nevertheless, I am drumming up my favorites from the night.  Keep in mind, even my top picks would get a B- if I were grading them. 

GWYNETH PALTROW IN TOM FORD

Looking sleek and modern, Gwyneth was my favorite of the night.  As a fervent cape lover myself, I was delighted to see her rocking one on the red carpet.  How chic!

Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford

STACY KEIBLER IN MARCHESA

Angelina did not have the sense to wear this stunning Marchesa number that I recommended for her, but I'm glad someone else snatched it up!  There is no better time to dress like an Oscar statue than when you are attending the Oscars with George Clooney.

Stacy Keibler in Marchesa Fall 2012

JESSICA CHASTAIN IN ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

Jessica brought out the big guns for the Oscars--McQueen!  The gold embroidery looked fantastic against her red hair.

Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen Resort 2012

MICHELLE WILLIAMS IN LOUIS VUITTON

This peplum dress looked sweet and feminine on Michelle, and was extremely flattering.  The brooch at the waist may have taken it into the "overly-precious" category though.

Michelle Williams in custom Louis Vuitton

MILLA JOVOVICH IN ELIE SAAB

Milla brought the old Hollywood glam in a gown from one of my favorite Elie Saab Couture collections.

Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab Couture Fall 2009

EMMA STONE IN GIAMBATTISTA VALLI COUTURE

Love this dress, but I wish Emma had worn something a little more unique.  This look is a bit too reminiscent of Nicole Kidman in Balenciaga at the 2007 Oscars.

Emma Stone in Giambattista Valli Couture Spring 2012

As for Rooney Mara, she was my biggest letdown of the night. Yes, she wore Givenchy Couture, but it was not the most exciting dress, and the fit was terrible. Here's to hoping she turns it out at the next Oscars!

Let's Play Barbie: Oscars 2012 Red Carpet

Because I love to play pretend stylist to the stars, I am bringing back my "Let's Play Barbie" feature for this year's Oscars.  Of course, all of the actresses will be hitting the red carpet in gowns fresh off of the runways.

ROONEY MARA

Rooney is the actress I am most excited about at this year's Oscars.  She needs something with a slightly weird, creepy undercurrent, but that still says Oscar nominee.  Luckily for her, I have found a few dresses that fit the bill.

Rooney Mara, Givenchy Couture Spring 2012, Armani Prive Couture Spring 2012, and Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2012

EMMA STONE

Emma is always switching up her red carpet style, and I don't believe she has worn British designer Giles or a white gown yet...which means that it is time!  She should ditch the headpiece, obvs.

Emma Stone + Giles Fall 2012

MICHELLE WILLIAMS

Michelle Williams always looks "cute", but the last time she looked drop dead gorgeous on the red carpet was at the 2006 Oscars when she wore a mustard pleated Vera Wang gown.  How glorious would it be if she ditched the crewneck and long-sleeve gowns she favors, and wore this voluminous Giambattista Valli?

Michelle Williams + Giambattista Valli Couture Spring 2012

OCTAVIA SPENCER

Octavia's style hit a high note at the Golden Globes when she wore a lavender v-neck gown. I would love to see her in a similar neckline and soft color, punched up with some statement jewelry.

Octavia Spencer + Badgley Mischka Fall 2012

DIANE KRUGER

This Jason Wu dress was probably my favorite "potential red carpet gown" on all of the spring runways, and yet, no one has worn it yet! Hopefully that means it is being reserved for the Oscars. Diane has the sartorial panache to pull of this show-stopping gown.

Diane Kruger + Jason Wu Spring 2012

ZOE SALDANA

Zoe always wears something bold, fun and youthful.  I'd love to see her in this gorgeous frothy Oscar de la Renta.

Zoe Saldana + Oscar de la Renta

ANGELINA JOLIE

After many a sack-like dress, Angelina hit her stride at this year's Golden Globes when she wore a fitted gown.  This Marchesa dress combines draping and a neutral color--two of Angelina's signature elements--for a bombshell look.

Angelina Jolie + Marchesa Fall 2012

CATE BLANCHETT

Let's face it--Cate can wear anything she wants and look stunning--but I would love to see her in this dark, dramatic Gucci.

Cate Blanchett + Gucci Fall 2012

TILDA SWINTON

Tilda Swinton is going to bring the avant garde (and the awesome), per the usual.

Tilda Swinton + Jean Paul Gaultier Couture Spring 2012

CHARLIZE THERON

Charlize Theron loves her Dior Couture gowns, but without designer John Galliano at the helm of the fashion house, there isn't much in recent collections to choose from.  I would love her to switch things up and have a dramatic Versace moment.

Charlize Theron + Atelier Versace Couture Spring 2012

VIOLA DAVIS

Viola looks stunning in color, so I think the bolder the better for the Oscars.  She could really make this canary yellow number sing.

Viola Davis + Elie Saab Spring 2012

JESSICA CHASTAIN

Jessica rarely lives up to her potential on the red carpet, which is why I'd like to see her take things to the next level with a Chanel Couture gown.  The colors of this gown would look fantastic against her hair and skin tone.

Jessica Chastain + Chanel Couture Spring 2012

Golden Globes Red Carpet 2012

Awards season is upon us, which means more beautiful celebs in fabulous designer gowns!  Here are my favorites from the Globes:

ROONEY MARA IN NINA RICCI

Nina Ricci Pre-Fall 2012

This isn't the most striking I've seen Rooney on the RC, but it still a gorgeous look.  I love the sculptural quality of the dress; I just wish she had added a makeup or accessory "pop". 

EMMA STONE IN LANVIN

Lanvin Spring 2012

Emma Stone is becoming one of my favorites to watch on the red carpet, because she never goes for the typical red carpet dress (strapless, neutral...).  I love the unusual color combination and the killer eagle belt.

NICOLE KIDMAN IN VERSACE

Versace Spring 2012

My jaw dropped a little when I caught a glimpse of Nicole on screen.  This dress did AMAZING things for her figure.  Very Versace, very fabulous.

TILDA SWINTON IN HAIDER ACKERMANN

Haider Ackermann Spring 2011

Tilda + Ackermann is always a winning combination.  Can you believe this woman is 51??

CHARLIZE THERON IN CHRISTIAN DIOR COUTURE

Christian Dior Couture

What a dreamy gown!  As a brand ambassador of Christian Dior, you can always count on Charlize to turn it out on the red carpet in some gorgeous Dior Couture. 


JULIANNE MOORE IN CHANEL COUTURE

Chanel Couture Fall 2011

This is a beautiful interpretation of the standard awards season strapless black dress.  The tiers add interest and the ruffled peplum is right on trend.

ZOOEY DESCHANEL IN PRADA

Custom Prada

This quirky custom Prada dress fits Zooey's personality perfectly.  Super cute.


MADONNA IN REEM ACRA

Reem Acra Pre-Fall 2012

The bodice of this dress looked dangerously tight, but Madonna still looked stunning.  The geometric skirt of this gown really looked gorgeous on the stage.

SALMA HAYEK IN GUCCI

Gucci Spring 2012

When your husband controls the top fashion empire in the world (LVMH), you have access to some pretty amazing clothes.  Salma picked an adaptation from one of the spring's flashiest collections, Gucci (more on that later).

CLAIRE DANES IN J. MENDEL

J. Mendel Pre-Fall 2012

This dress is all about the view from the back. The silhouette is in tune with Claire's minimalist style, but is spiced up with black and white deco detailing.

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.

Met Gala 2011 Red Carpet

Leave it to an event as faaaabulous as the Met Gala to pull me out of my blogging hibernation (nope, the royal wedding did not do it).  This year's gala honored the late Alexander McQueen, and kicked off the Met's summer-long exhibition, "Savage Beauty", a retrospective of the designer's work.  I have been looking forward to this event for months, because it's McQueen!  And fashion people!  All on one red carpet!  In a bizarre turn of events, very few celebrity attendees wore McQueen...in fact, more wore Stella McCartney.  Disappointing, but the gowns still were more interesting than the Oscars.  Thankfully, several of the models turned it out--after all, they are pros.  To get my dose of McQueen, I will be visiting the exhibition in July, and I've pre-ordered the collection book! 

Here are a few of my favorite looks from the evening. 

KAROLINA KURKOVA IN JEAN PAUL GAULTIER COUTURE

Jean Paul Gaultier Couture Spring 2011



She may not have worn McQueen, but model Karolina Kurkova absolutely killed it at the gala.  Her couture dress brought the McQueen spirit, and she owned the red carpet.  Favorite gown of the night!

ASHLEY OLSEN IN VINTAGE CHRISTIAN DIOR

The proportions of this dress look amazing on Ashley.

MARY KATE OLSEN IN VINTAGE GIVENCHY COUTURE

Those Olsens have a great eye for vintage.  Somehow, Mary Kate's red and green combo works without looking Christmasy.

SOLANGE KNOWLES IN DRIES VAN NOTEN

Dries van Noten Fall 2011


I loved this dress on the runway.  Dries van Noten is an unexpected choice for Solange, and she is rocking it.

LIV TYLER IN GIVENCHY COUTURE

Givenchy Couture Spring 2011

This is the best Liv Tyler's looked in ages.

SHALOM HARLOW IN MARCHESA

Marchesa Spring 2011

There were several Marchesa numbers at the gala, but Shalom's dress really channeled the sculptural quality of McQueen's designs. 

GISELE BUNDCHEN IN ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

Alexander McQueen Fall 2005

Gisele looked every inch the supermodel--I think Tom Brady's pose in this photo says it all.

ANGELA LINDVALL & KARLIE KLOSS IN CHRISTIAN DIOR

Double win.  Both Angela and Karlie looked flawless in Dior.

KAREN ELSON IN ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

Alexander McQueen Spring 2004

Karen wore a dress that she originally modeled on the spring 2004 runway.

RAQUEL ZIMMERMANN IN ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

Alexander McQueen Fall 2011

Raquel was the only lucky attendee to wear a gown from the most recent McQueen collection.

NATASHA POLY IN ALEXANDER WANG

Custom Alexander Wang

This is kind of a bland dress, but Natasha looks insanely fierce.


CONSTANCE JABLONSKI IN ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

Alexander McQueen Spring 2011

Constance wore one of the ethereal dresses from Sarah Burton's first collection for McQueen.

NATALIA VODIANOVA IN VALENTINO

Simply divine.