Let me just say that I was not exactly overwhelmed by the fashion statements on display at Sunday evening’s Golden Globe Awards. Quite frankly, it looked more like an award ceremony honoring the stars of television and movies, than a fashion show or fashion event. And considering that’s precisely what it was, this should not really be too surprising, after all. Predictably, there were high moments… and of course, some low moments (real ‘clinkers’), which is always to be expected (Diane Keaton in her ‘Annie Hall’ inspired jacket and tailored shirt worn with floor length skirt comes to mind, as does Meryl Streep, in her horribly unflattering wide scoop necked gown. It should be pointed out that this particular neckline would not flatter anyone.
In general, it was a somewhat subdued affair (and considering recent world events, this seems rather appropriate). How did this play out? Bling was kept to a minimum, with many stars seemingly opting for small personal jewelry instead of in your face, obviously borrowed gems (although diamond chandelier earrings do not seem to be going away any time soon as they were the accessory of choice). Many attendees opted for dark solids colors or pale neutrals instead of jarring brights or dizzying patterns (though strong, clear red was the color of choice for many, including Jennifer Garner, Patricia Arquette and NBC host Nancy O’Dell). Again, no surprise there, as red is a crowd pleaser, always stands out, flatters almost everyone, and is traditionally chosen for the Red Carpet.
Other color observations? While black is still popular, (Diane Sawyer wore a smartly tailored black satin coat over lace dress, and Glenn Close chose a vintage Geoffrey Beene black lace gown with tiny point d’esprit bolero, which she admitted she wore to honor the late designer) brown and navy have ‘edged out’ black. In fact, one can say that brown really is the ‘new’ black. Chocolate brown in the form of a knee length full skirted party dress was worn by Renee Zellweger and a bronze-y brown Calvin Klein simple jersey gown was selected by beautiful and talented Hilary Swank.
Blue, which is the fashion world’s favorite new hue for spring, was the hue of choice for the always-fashionable Cate Blanchett, who looked highly individual, as always, in her asymmetrical blue draped gown by Jean Paul Gaultier (a designer she traditionally relies on). Not too many people could have carried that one off, but leave it to Cate to do just that. Blue (this time a rich, dark navy) was also the choice for the absolutely stunning Charlize Theron, who was one of the best dressed in her simple but arrestingly form fitting Christian Dior creation. She wisely kept her grooming sleek and her accessories in their drawers.
By the way, another color trend that was very much on display at the Globes, is going dark (in terms of hair color). Renee Zellweger recently darkened her blonde locks and Charlize Theron is another one who has changed her hair color from golden to almost black for a movie role.
One star that did not fare too well was Nicole Kidman, who despite her style icon status, and her amazingly statuesque and skinny frame, does not always get it right for these high profile events. Even though she cannot really look bad no matter what she does to herself, she suffers from fashion victim ‘itis’. In other words she tries too hard to make a fashion statement and it does not always work. Her emerald green Gucci gown with the peacock feather appendage on the shoulder was rather unfortunate (regardless of the fact that peacock feathers are ‘in’ this season), and her hairdo was matronly. A far better choice would have been something more classic and chic like Chanel, a look that really suits her. And considering that she is the new face of Chanel #5, and that she will be on hand along with Karl Lagerfeld and Anna Wintour when the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute honors Chanel for it’s long awaited upcoming spring exhibit and gala, she really blew a wonderful opportunity.
And finally, one thing that was evident is that one need not actually win a Golden Globe in order to show their ‘globes’ …as evidenced by all the boob jobs on display in plunge front, low cut halter tops and gowns.
Posted by Marilyn Kirschner
