Well, it’s been a while! After a (somewhat) brief hiatus to win some political campaigns, we’re back for awards season!
As always, we’re kicking things off with the Golden Globes, the drunk uncle of award shows. The telecast was booze-fueled, scattershot, and sometimes uncomfortable – but unfortunately for those of us who revel in fashion extremes, it was a pretty tame and put together red carpet. Last year, the Globes red carpet was shrouded in black to draw attention to #TimesUp, so I was excited to see a return to some color and drama.
Lady Gaga in custom Valentino
Embed from Getty ImagesLady Gaga was supposed to be the woman of the night, but ended up largely snubbed, along with the rest of “A Star is Born”. Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga’s 4th (!) adaptation of the classic film only received one award for Best Song, which was basically a given. I don’t necessarily think that Gaga went big on the red carpet because she thought she was going to win (although she wouldn’t have been wrong for thinking that), I just think her default is “big”. She kicked off her promo tour for “A Star is Born” in at the Venice Film Festival in a phenomenal, feathered Valentino, so I was thrilled to see her put her trust in Pierpaolo Piccioli again. I think the execution here is somewhat less successful – it’s the rare dress that might actually be overwhelming on her, and the bodice clearly has some fit issues. But I do appreciate the commitment to the “ice queen” look from hair, to jewels, to giant, giant sleeves.
Amy Adams in Calvin Klein by Appointment
Embed from Getty ImagesI literally gasped out loud when Amy didn’t pick up a trophy for her role in “Sharp Objects”. In a night of weird surprises, this one shocked me the most. She was also nominated for her role in “Vice” and was bested by Regina King. So, a tough night for Amy, made worse by this unimaginative dud of a dress.
Claire Foy in Miu Miu
Embed from Getty ImagesClaire wasn’t nominated for “The Crown” this time, so I will stop begging her to dress more like Queen Elizabeth – but I will implore her to steer clear of Miuccia Prada in the future. The golden hue and starbursts are lovely, but are completely ruined for me by the baggy, saggy mess it’s made of her chest.
Regina King in custom Alberta Ferretti
Embed from Getty ImagesAlberta Ferretti has some major range because I never would have guessed this was her handiwork. It reads a lot more like Versace than the flowing, delicate silhouettes Alberta usually presents. That said, it’s simply stunning and fits like a dream. A phenomenal dress to take home a trophy in.
Emma Stone in Louis Vuitton
Embed from Getty ImagesIn the grand scheme of Louis Vuitton, this is not bad. It reads more Elie Saab than the nefarious work of the people who forced her to wear to wear a child’s dress to the Oscars after party last year. Ultimately though, it’s still too sloppy, too droopy, and too dull.
Rachel Weisz in custom Celine
Embed from Getty ImagesEither you want a black column dress, or a giant tutu, but you can’t have both.
Glenn Close in custom Armani Privé
Embed from Getty ImagesArmani is always an excellent choice for ladies of a certain age who want to look timeless and fabulous. Glenn won for her role in “The Wife” last night and gave a truly touching speech and looked fabulous doing it.
Nicole Kidman in Michael Kors Collection
Embed from Getty ImagesNormally I would be all over this, but it’s just so incredibly tight it looks painful to wear. Flare the skirt and let out the bodice a bit and I am in.
Melissa McCarthy in Reem Acra
Embed from Getty ImagesI adored Reem Acra’s Fall 2018 collection for it’s deeply royal colors and celestial imagery, and I ALMOST love this. She certainly wears it well, but my friend Cara pointed out that she looks like “a wannabe wizard” and now that’s all I can see. If this was in a navy blue or a maroon, I think there’d be less of a “you’re a wizard, Melissa!” vibe.
Rosamund Pike in Givenchy
Embed from Getty ImagesOy vey. I mean, where to start? Givenchy’s Claire Waight Keller has had quite the year, from designing the Duchess of Sussex’s wedding dress, to being crowned British Designer of the Year, to producing some truly spectacular red carpet moments. This, however,will not be making her highlight reel. A half-sheer skirt, ab cutouts, a detached turtleneck, and an actually cute cardigan that I would love to own, are just a few elements too many.
Emily Blunt in Alexander McQueen
Embed from Getty ImagesUsually “looks like something you use to catch fish” would be a turn-off for me, but I am surprised by how much I like this. The handiwork is absolutely remarkable and I love how the silvery makeup and jewels tie the look together. This is a smart way to lean into the “nearly naked” trend, without actually showing your underpinnings.
Olivia Colman in Stella McCartney
Embed from Getty ImagesFor every ten Stella McCartney creations, there’s always one that I don’t object to. Terrible odds if you’re leaving your sartorial reputation in her hands, but I am glad Olivia, who I have adored since “Broadchurch”, got a good one. I’m not in love with it, but it fits and doesn’t make me shriek, so it’s a win.
Elsie Fisher in Kenzo
Embed from Getty ImagesElsie is just 15 years old and has shown a preternaturally mature sense of style and decorum. She’s also almost exclusively worn fun pants ensembles for all her press outings. I don’t love this – it’s turned up to 11 and she’s drowning in it – but I look forward to seeing what she has in store for the rest of awards season.
Charlize Theron in Dior
Embed from Getty ImagesThere’s nothing to argue with here. There’s also nothing to get excited about.
Constance Wu in custom Vera Wang
Embed from Getty ImagesI hate to end this post on a sour note, so I will say that I LOVE the orange ribbon!
Fashion Wonk 