I thought it would be fun to share my analysis of the 82nd Academy Award red carpet successes and failures. I created categories for the winners, and a group of the losers. See if you agree. [photos: Women’s Wear Daily]
Classic Metallics
It’s hard to go wrong in the looks worn by Cameron Diaz, Helen Mirren, and Kate Winslet. Each gown looked marvelously appropriate on them. A lesson in elegance, coordinating the dress color back to one’s hair color is always a stunning approach. In Kate Winslet’s case, the pale trend is beautifully achieved with a gentle contrast level in her clothes that is as slight as her hair and skin color contrast. Her eye makeup, gorgeous necklace, platinum bustier, and perfectly colored lips, gave her face and body perfect poise. Though she and Diaz were there as presenters, all three were certainly worthy of earning an award that night.
Speaking Volumes
What’s a red carpet event without controversy? I love when stars – and everyday people for that matter – know who they are and take full ownership of their self-perception. That’s just what it takes to wear the confident gowns worn by Vera Farmiga, Jennifer Lopez, and Zoe Saldana. These three gowns exemplify why designers fashion new creations. Jennifer Lopez, the most seasoned couture wearer of the trio, may appear more comfortable because of just that. But give the other two women some more amazing roles to play, and they will, no doubt, become red carpet regulars – and muses of fashion designers alike. I loved the flowery drama of Farmiga’s gown, the space-age glamour we’re seeing from Armani on Lopez, and the spirited fun shining through on Saldana. After the recent austere times, designers are certainly taking this marketing opportunity to get everyone thinking more positively.
Modernist Interpretations
Equal to controversy is defying convention. The gowns worn by Carey Mulligan, Maggie Gyllenhaal [shown here with brother Jake], and Kristen Stewart, show the new face of modern dressing for the young woman. I give them three cheers. Mulligan’s Prada gown made goth look civilized. It also fit her just beautifully. Gyllenhaal’s gown was daring for its print design, but matches her high wattage smile and elongates her reed-like figure. You might think it’s a bit mature for her, but Kristen Stewart’s midnight blue gown is so chic, you may have to look twice. But because it’s quite fitted, balancing gorgeously draped, fluid fabric and just enough structure, it’s an amazing selection.
Reynolds Wrap
This is for the guys out there who need to know how to wear a tuxedo to perfection. Just refer to this picture of Ryan Reynolds wearing Tom Ford. A man in Tom Ford is perfection, but you can imitate the look. It’s all about the fine points and details.
Oscar’s Trash Can
Everyone always wants to know whose looks I didn’t care for. This was pretty easy to decide. Charlize Theron [or her stylist] decided it was more important to look at her breasts than her face. Conversely, Miley Cyrus, who has almost no breasts, wanted us to look at hers. She’s quite too 
young to be looked at this way. Mariah Carey had too many fashion missteps going on all at once; her only saving grace was wearing a beautiful deep blue, as worn by many “Precious” cast members. Was it mandatory, I wonder? Sarah Jessica Parker looks like she needed to find the bathroom. Had she, she may have wanted to take down her hair, which was larger than her whole head! I give her credit for having a lot of fashion savvy, but the red carpet shouldn’t look like a retrospective. Jeremy Renner’s tuxedo is an example of how not to wear one. Unbuttoned, it looked to make him look squat, and the pants looked to be too long, further dragging down his look. Moreover, I am not a fan of white necktie over white shirt. Finally, Penelope Cruz is a gorgeous woman. The maroon color was a fine choice for her. But the heavy fullness at the bottom seemed to drag her down, creating a flaw where there was never was one.
What were your favorite hits and misses?
Designing and managing your image is the secret science to your success.
Joseph Rosenfeld helps professional men, women, and corporate workgroups create effective visual brands. Visit JosephRosenfeld.com for details.
