Claire Danes in Louis Vuitton: an unexpected choice for the artsy actress, particularly given her penchant for bold, form-hugging gowns (witness the hot pink Calvin Klein Collection dress she wore to the Golden Globes). But it was a refreshing choice the silk printed gown embroidered with silk flowers hand stitched to the bodice of the gown with black pearls. Technically, this dress is a masterpiece; it required over a hundred hours of work in the Paris atelier to produce. Had Claire not cinched her waist with the simple Bohemian-esque belt, it would’ve been a tent and completely overwhelmed her. But here she achieves a romantic balance between relaxed luxe and classic femininity.
January Jones in Carolina Herrera: talk about the night’s most drastic change from the Golden Globes (not to mention other award shows). The “Mad Men” star was so romantic, so feminine, so refined in Mrs. Herrera’s topaz chantecaille lace gown. It was the first time January had worn a design from this American fashion house–and, if she continues to look this good, should definitely not be the last. I think fashion critics all breathed a sigh of relief that she wasn’t in yet another skin-revealing, cut-up-to-there dress that left nothing to the imagination. The delicate details of the embroidery created a beautiful diversion across her thin frame while the modest, and covered up, neckline did her wonders. Excellent choice, January.
Nicole Kidman in Nina Ricci: one of the evening’s more fashion-forward choices, the Aussie star’s black crepe dress with lace detailing is from designer Peter Copping’s Pre-Fall 2011 collection. The lace inset on the front led to a surprisingly low-cut lace back that was accented with oversized bows. What I loved most about this dress was the precision with which the shoulder and chest areas were cut. It was a modern gown that infused period details. The choice to wear a Fred Leighton high necklace was bold–but worked perfectly. It added just the right amount of color to an otherwise dark palette. I also like how Nicole’s locks of hair were kept a little messy and loose.
Tina Fey in Oscar de la Renta: of Mr. de la Renta’s trio of stars he dressed at the SAG Awards, it was the “30 Rock” star’s scarlet guipure lace pre-fall gown that evoked the classic Park Avenue elegance the designer is renowned for. It’s nice to see Tina in a floor-sweeping gown in lieu of the tea-length dresses we’ve become so accustomed to see her wearing. The red looked beautiful on her–the feather details added dimension and made it all come to life–while the swept back hair and minimal jewelry made her evoke the simplicity of a modern day Sabrina.
Natalie Portman in Azzaro: clearly instead of drawing attention to her expanding tummy, the décolletage is the center of focus for Natalie this awards season. Wearing a pristine white “Jungle” gown designed by Vanessa Seward, the simple jeweled bust area, once again, diverts the eyes upward and not on the mid-section. White is a bold color to wear when pregnant, but Natalie looks like a glamorous movie star (surely the $2 million worth of Tiffany jewels helped).
Julianna Marguiles in YSL Edition Soir: if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it. Julianna knows YSL works on her and the silhouette she looks best in. That combo came out beautifully in the form of this rouge chiffon bustier dress. The strapless beauty framed her toned body to a tee; there is nothing worse than a top that’s ill-fitting. While the dress broke no new ground, it was a classic and timeless silhouette perfect for the conservative actress.