I missed most of the live red carpet for the 2008 Academy Awards because I was at a dinner party and the show was on 'mute'. Not that we weren't paying attention. Anyone that was truly fabulous - for their acting, their gown, etc., merited our attention, especially newly-minted Best Actress winner Marion Cotilliard. I was one of only two people in the room who had not seen La Vie En Rose (I'll fix that this week) but we all agreed that her silver and white Jean Paul Gaultier was beautiful - even with the scales! Everyone is not capable of pulling that off but, then again, she is French after all. And hairstylist Robert Vetica pulled off Marion's soft waves beautifully.
And can we talk about the ladies in red?
Heidi Klum is my favorite here in John Galliano. And guess what? She was wearing her own jewelry - earrings, rings and a cuff featuring rubies, kunzites and pink diamonds set in 18K rose gold.
I am going to forgive the can-do-no-wrong Helen Mirren for those Swarovski crystal-encrusted sleeves on her Georges Chakras gown because she can do no wrong.
Miley Cyrus? I had no idea until very recently that Ms. Hannah Montana is the daughter of Mr. Achy Breaky Heart Billy Ray Cyrus! Man, I swear I need to get out more. She does seem like a nice, well-adjusted 15-year-old and she is doing the Valentino justice on the red carpet.
I liked Katherine Heigl's fire-engine red Escada because I thought, this would look great on me! I am not the biggest Heigl fan, but I can get behind her red carpet style any day of the week.
Now, the ladies above were lovely in red, but there was only one lady in ruby.
Isn't Ruby Dee lovely in her Kevan Hall? I have read one blog comment too many asking, "Who is Ruby Dee?" People, people, people... are you serious?
Kevan Hall is a former creative director for the house of Halston (he designed Vanessa Williams's seafoam green Emmy gown a few months ago) and he is no stranger to Hollywood. His brother is the acclaimed actor and director Vondie Curtis-Hall ("Gridlock"). Ms. Dee spoke to the New York Times last week about Kevan designing her gown. She said that she chose Kevan to make her Oscar gown because she thought he could make her look taller (she's 5 feet). And, she wanted a ruby-colored gown to match her name.
Did you see Jennifer Garner get accosted by Gary Busey on the red carpet? Creepy... It's a good thing she could console herself in that gorgeous Oscar de la Renta.
Hilary Swank's black Versace was another winner in my book. And those earring didn't hurt either...
Amy Adams was a big hit at the dinner party in her emerald green Proenza Schouler.
I also loved Shaun Robinson's makeup, Tanika Ray's hair...
and the clip in Kristin Chenoweth's hair. Did you know that she's only 4'11"?
The Vanity Fair Oscar party may have been canceled, but Elton John soldiered on with his annual event. And Sharon Stone soldiered on in her non-conformity. I think she actually pulls this look off, but I do admit to an initial Gap t-shirt flashback. I also like Portia de Rossi's dress even though I'm thinking only a tall and angular woman like her could pull this off.
Deborah Cox you look stunning, as always. When can we expect your next album? And who designed your gown?!
Update: It's Roberto Cavalli. Y'all know I loove Cavalli and his crazy arse (!) He also designed Jennifer Hudson's gown.
I love this gown, just not on Ms. Jennifer. The dinner party consensus was that a darker color may have been better - and she could have tamed "the girls" a bit better. Honestly, that didn't really bother me, but I would have preferred to see her in something else. The gold Cavalli she wore last year for the parties was amazing.
Keisha Whitaker you look stunning as always! When can we expect more from your new makeup line Kissable Couture? And who designed your gown?!
Update:
Keisha's gown is by J'Aton Couture.
