1.19.2010

Ruffling it?

So, we went from bowtential to ruffling it? I am lost on the looks as seen at this years Golden Globes as seriously, there were few and far between that announced "I have arrived" or "Watch out world!" Instead, for some, the message was "Watch out world for I have arrived in ruffles."
Let us get clear on just what the Golden Globes are about: a televised awards ceremony of international recognition across all forms of visual media voted by the Hollywood Foreign Press. Writers, watchers, casters, directors, producers and of course paparazzi galore: if ever there is an opportunity to make a first and lasting impression, I would argue it is here. It is also here which tends to predict future wins so why not practice a winning look?
And so, it is here I will attempt to make argument of what to look forward to in the coming award shows. I just really hope it's not ruffles.
Let us begin with What Not To Look Forward To:

Diane Kruger in Christian Lacroix



Jennifer Morrison for House



Heidi Klum in Roberto Cavalli

Julianne Moore in Balenciaga

Nicole Kidman in Nina Ricci




Chloe Sevigny in Valentino



Kristina Hendricks from Mad Men in Christian Soriano

I really don't want to bash what could very well total more than what I earned last year, so I'm not going to. But I do hope you have noticed a constant fail in what I have listed above: the importance of a proper fit for a given body type and that not all trends are for everyone. (That would be the pastel palettes in addition to the ruffles.)

Let's now look to those that did it right.

Drew Barrymore in Atelier Versace

While this was originally one of my least favourite looks of the evening, I can't help but give the girl props for wearing it well. Barrymore has not fallen into a predictable niche and in addition, she lent a classic goddess glow to an avant garde, one of a kind piece.


Penelope Cruz in Georgio Armani Prive

There was not a more fitting gown at the Globes. The elastic bands ensured her womanly shape, while the lace applique added a romantic touch. I am not typically a fan of a fishtail train, but this dress top to bottom did it for me. The side swept hair and sun-kissed skin, ahh. BTW, word is she obtained much of that glow hanging on the beach with her main squeeze Javier Bardem.


Marion Cotillard Christian Dior Couture

Another dress I was not an instant fan of, but maybe the deep green shade is seeping sense into my brain as this gown manages to lend a clean drape and yet modern details. If there is one thing I do not like in what is supposed to be a classy gown, it is a hip-nearing slit. However, this gown keeps it clean with the lace inset. Plus, you gotta give it to her: the woman is French. She knows what's up.



Kate Hudson in Marchesa

The first picture is what most of the public saw when guests' first arrived to a rain-drenched red carpet; the second was what Marchesa intended for the gown. I really am loving this second silhouette but feel it would have been more fitting for another event.

Zoe Saldana in Louis Voutton


If I must concede to A ruffle, I suppose Zoe Saldana had the pick of the litter. I did enjoy the many shades and shadows this dress cast but do feel it needed to be a bit more fitted in the bust.


Julia Roberts in Vintage YSL

A simply comfortable black dress, this H town veteran hit all the right notes with this long sleeve winner. Notice her pumps are patent, which helps to contrast against the matte fabric. The brushed gold Van Cleef & Arpels necklace with Citrine and Diamond stones was the right pop of color. There was a mention of expecting the dress to continue as a full length gown; either way, it would have worked. I believe it was actually a save considering the rain.

As for what to look forward to in coming award shows, I expect we will see more bold jewel tones and/or coloured stones. If ruffles is where's it at, I do hope tailors will edit for the fit and hang.

Until then, yee explicit haw.