2025 Academy Awards Fashion Critique

March 3, 2025

Hollywoods biggest night is here again. The Oscars! So lets dive in and take a look at some of the most memorable fashion moments!

The Best

Ariana Grande has been on every red carpet this season and this is the penultimate moment. This Schiaparelli couture gown with tulle skirt blends whimsy and fashion. And while the silhouette is dramatic enough that I appreciate the muted champagne color. Hair and makeup are stunning. Minimal jewelry by De Beers. Perfection.

Demi Moore sparkles in this Armani Prive silver beaded gown. And as beautiful as the dress is, Demi really shines. Her fresh makeup and glossy natural hair highlight her face. To perfectly match her gown, she paired it with Chopard 17-carat fringed diamond earrings. This is what 62 looks like.

Mikey Madison in this classic Dior look channels Gwyneth Paltrow’s Oscar look. After seeing the movie last night, it’s a delight to see Mikey wear French fashion so effortlessly. She completed this classic look with Manolo heels and a 115 year old Tiffany & Co necklace. Well done.

Julianna Hough looks like Marilyn & Grace Kelly in this gorgeous Dior RTW dress. This flowy hombre gown looks like she just walked out of a dream. I also love how the colors pick up the tones in her hair. The red lip perfectly finishes the look. Flawless.

Halle Berry stole the show in this crystalized beaded gown that was constructed with shards of mirror - just like a disco ball. This Christian Siriano gown looked as amazing on stage as it did on the red carpet. Jewelry by Pomellato. Love the retro-flip haircut. She has never looked better.

Timothée Chalamet lit up the red carpet in this bright banana custom Givenchy look. He looks the epitome of young Hollywood in this monochromatic look. Who else could rock a yellow leather tuxedo? Necklace by Cartier. I loved it all the way down to the shoes - which I wish he would burn. Lucky for you - I found a picture that cut the shoes off. But beyond that, I thought this was a great fashion choice.

Doja Cat looks like Eartha Kitt in this jaw-dropping Balmain gown. But can you notice the cheetah print or are you blinded by the massive Messika yellow diamond? Her hair and makeup are beautiful. And I also loved her sheer Swarovski performance outfit. A great fashion night for Doja Cat!

Selena Gomez stunned in this custom Ralph Lauren dress. While the silhouette is simple, the fabric is so glam. You can tell she feels gorgeous in this gown. The jewelry is Bulgari and the statement necklace is wow-wow-wow. She looks like a movie star!

The Worst

Cynthia Erivo in custom Louis Vuitton failed to launch. While I appreciate the drama, there is too much going on: the collar, the oversized top, the oversized skirt, the signature nails and the jewelry. And while I like the nod to Oz, the deep green photographs as black and is lost. It just looks dark and heavy and dull. This was a big night for Cynthia as she could have become the youngest EGOT recepient - but lets get her a new stylist for when she wins the Oscar.

2024 Met Gala Critique

May 6, 2024

Fashion’s biggest year was really left open to interpretation for guests this year. The Met’s Exhibit is called “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” however the dress code is listed as “The Garden of Time” - which is a short story by JG Ballard. So while I’m happy we didn’t see an overabundance of Disney references, we should also discuss the Reawakening Fashion portion. Inside the Met, the exhibit will bring forward archival pieces from Dior, McQueen and more that show the artistry and craftsmanship. That being said, it’s not surprising that we see a few attendees wear something vintage or vintage-inspired. To me, this can be problematic unless it ties back to “The Garden of Time.” So unless a dress clearly channels a very specific aesthetic, and becomes “reawakened” - it may just look like another pretty dress that would be better placed on any other red carpet. This is why I love the Met Gala - it combines fashion, context and artistic vision.

THE BEST

Elle Fanning - This glass inspired gown by Balmain was sheer (pun intended) perfection. The icy feel could easily translate to a sleepy garden or a dormant winter, but I actually saw it more as water - which is vital for garden. I also thought the “glass” birds on the shoulders were visually pleasing, but also maybe a slight nod to Cinderella who had the birds dressing her. Here it appears the birds are holding up her dress. Regardless, the birds are another cue to the garden them. Cartier supplied the cascading diamond earrings. Best dressed.

Nicki Minaj - This canary yellow mini dress by Marni really made a statement on the carpet this year. In a sea of muted metallics and beige, Nicki brought a much needed dose of color. The recycled floral appliqués added another burst of creativity to the look. It was also refreshing to see a short dress on the carpet. The look continued with her handbag and the adornments in her bob. Her makeup looked fresh and she looked pleased with herself. Well done.

Amelia Gray - While I’m not usually a big fan of Amelia’s style, this was the perfect choice for the young model. The playful lit-up terrarium-dress from Jun Takahashi was another brilliant pop of color on the carpet. The dress was filled with real purple roses and butterflies to take the garden effect to the next level. I only had 2 issues with this look: First - she had issues keeping the terrarium skirt up while walking on the carpet and had 2 handlers following her around holding it up. Secondly, I would have liked to have seen the wet hair slicked back - brought forward it distracts from the dress.

Zendaya - Zendaya made history by walking the red carpet twice in one night - and with 2 separate looks! My fave was her first look - a Galliano designed gown for Maison Margiela. The gown gave me Poison Ivy vibes which she matched with her sinister stare and maroon lipstick. The dress itself is inspired by a Dior original - and this version was adorned with fruit, feathers and leaves. To top the look off, literally, Zendaya wore a dramatic fascinator and bird earrings. She peacocked her way down the green carpet and proved she was worthy to be a Co-Chair!

Lana Del Ray - This custom corseted Alexander McQueen look scored high marks for Lana, referencing a 2006 McQueen creature. The nude silk wouldn’t work for many, but it gives Lana an etherial feature. The hand-embroidered bronze hawthorn branches crawling up the front of the dress and off the shoulder, where it met with natural hawthorn branches, to form Lana’s tulle headpiece. Brilliant. It was one of the more clever nods to nature without going for obvious florals. The single red rose detail gave a nice nod to the fairytale narrative. My only issue was the clunky footwear she was wearing.

Demi Moore - This Harris Reed gown was made for Demi from archival wallpaper and required over 11,000 hours of silk embroidery (don’t worry - I’m guessing that was with multiple machines!). Not only was the print stunning and showcased Demi in the best possible way, I also got the reference of hearts (shape) and diamond (spikes) which then gives a whole new whimsical aspect to the dress. She has never looked better. Jewelry by Cartier.

Jessica Biel - While the dress isn’t exactly WOW, I love how great Jessica looks in this pink Tamara Ralph gown. And the more I look at it, the more I appreciate it. The dress is adorned with feathers and crystals and took 320 hours to hand apply to the gown. I also give Jessica credit for choosing such a vibrant color. Her hair and make-up look stunningly natural.

Gigi Hadid - Speaking of WOW factor, Gigi turned heads when she hit the rad carpet in this ivory Thom Browne gown. The tiers of the skirt were embroidered with yellow roses the beautifully contrasted with the black ribbon details. Her hair and make-up were done in old Hollywood style and she could have easily passed for an A-list actress. Jewelry by Chopard. Stunning.

THE WORST

Chris Hemsworth - Many men choose to avoid the theatrics of the evening and done a classic black tuxedo. But not when you are the co-chair of the event. The unbuttoned shirt and slightly disheveled look isn’t on theme - even if it is Tom Ford. This would be fine for many events, but not the Met Gala.

Camila Cabello - While the dress isn’t terrible, it missed the brief. The Ludovic de Saint Sernin dress was apparently a last minute replacement for a Michael Kors dress - oh the drama! The dress has over 250,000 Swarovski crystals and weighes over 15lbs. Apparently the night before the event, the dress was slashed at the bottom to make it look like she had ran through a field of thorns. Sorry - but a shredded dress isn’t enough to make it fit the theme. I will say the melting ice cube with a bronze rose inside was a great distraction from the trainwreck of a dress.

Camila Cabello in Ludovic de Saint Sernin

Lizzo - This Weinsanto gown should have been a no-go from the start. Labeled as the vase-dress, the original had the full face covered. So the designer did a cut out for Lizzo’s face and dyed the fabric to match her skin. Knowing that it was likely to miss the mark, they inserted rose petals between the fabric to try and tie to the garden theme. While the dress fit Lizzo’s body nicely, from the shoulders up it was a mess and the headpiece teetered as she moved. I couldn’t help but think of all the memes this will launch. On a positive note, her hair and make-up looked beautiful.

Jaden Smith & Willow Smith - Why bother showing up if you’re not going to try? Jaden’s Thom Brown outfit has small white flower details, but Willow’s Dior jacket-dress belonged in a cabaret, not at this year’s Met Gala. Jaden finished his look with New Balance sneakers. As newcomers to the Met, it would have been nice to see them put in a little effort.

Jaden Smith in Thom Brown & Willow Smith in Dior

Doja Cat - While I loved Dojo’s look last year, this floor length wet cotton t-shirt by Vetements was a losing look. Apparently she wanted to avoid florals - but decided to go for cotton, utilizing a cotton t-shirt. I give her props for using that much hair gel to create her wet look. Although I can’t imagine how sticky she’ll be by the time she gets to the top of the 62 Met steps.

Gustav Magnar Witzoe - Well, where to begin. This model and billionaire is no stranger to the Met Gala - but what is he wearing? Is this his interpretation of Prince Charming? The nude pink washes him out - and the crystal details do little. The loin cloth and train had better not become the next fad. I could not find who designed this, and perhaps its for the best.

2023 Met Gala Critique

May 1, 2023

It’s often said that the Met Gala is fashion’s biggest night and I couldn’t agree more. This year was a tribute to the controversial designer Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty. Lagerfeld passed away in 2019 and held the helm of the Houses of Chanel, Chloé and Fendi as well as his eponymous brand. Love him or hate him, no single man of our generation has had more influence on fashion. The night was to honour his legacy - and while some attendees nailed it, others missed the mark. And when the stakes are as high as the Met Gala, simply wearing a vintage dress does not cut it.

THE BEST

Emily Ratajkowski stunned in this geometric Tory Burch gown. The pattern of this dress is meant to mimic the stitching on a classic Chanel bag. The plunging blush tulle dress was a refreshing change from the sea of black and white dresses. The hair and makeup gave me Audrey Hepburn vibes. One of the top picks of the night.

Janelle Monae was born for this event - Lagerfeld, like Monae, wore signature black and white. This year Janelle gave us a Lady Gaga-esque performance as her stylists unwrapped her on the carpet. From her Thom Brown oversized hommage to a Chanel coat to her futuristic embellished crinoline, Janelle was ready for the cameras. Overrall, this look stood out from the rest but I have 2 minor criticisms: the boots are a miss and the jacket should have been pinned to the petticoat so it had lined up (the first picture shows it was uneven). But beyond that, I love the Thom Brown ties in the hair, her hair and makeup are stunning, and she has yet again proven to be a fashion dream.

Doja Cat was the cat’s pajamas in Oscar de la Renta. Lagerfeld had one love in his later life - his cat Choupette. And who better to pay tribute to a cat than…Doja Cat! The gown fits her perfectly and took over 5000 hours to create. The dress is embellished with 350,000 glass beads and weighs over 30 pounds. To complete the look, her makeup artist used prosthetics to give her a feline look. Meow!

Bad Bunny was perfectly on theme in Jacquemus. His all white tweed tuxedo featured a very daring backless jacket/shirt. To complete the look, he added a 26 foot long white floral scarf to pay homage to the signature Chanel camellia flower. Bad Bunny embraces fashion and I was thrilled to see a newcomer to the carpet take such a risk, and it paid off. This is what I would have worn if I was in attendance. (Sorry I couldn’t find a shot of the back)

Jared Leto as Choupette made me smile. I didn’t love his embellished black caped Gucci outfit that was underneath. But watching him walk the steps in this incredible furry costume made my night. The guy has guts to walk up the 24 steps in that outfit. Well done - I’m sure you would have given Karl a giggle. Next time stay in the costume for the rest of the night please.

Naomi Campbell looked radiant in a 2010 Chanel couture gown. The details on this dress are so tasteful and elegant - just like Naomi’s hair and makeup. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her look better. And with the carpet underneath her, the dress pops even more. Perfection.

Nicole Kidman didn’t wow me in this dress BUT….when I heard the story, I got it. Nicole has been the face of Chanel for years - but this is the dress she wore in the Chanel No. 5 commercial n 2004. The light pink silk gown is completed with over 250 ostrich feathers and over 3000 sequins. However, I just need her to run her hand through her hair please…I get the casual hair, but this is bordering on messy.

Cardi B looked like a Chanel Barbie in this look that would have made even Karl smile. This creation was created by Chenpeng Studios and there are just so many things to love. The nod to Karl’s love of tailoring, the quilting on the skirt reminiscent of the quilted Chanel bag, and the black leather Camellia flowers. This is a very put-together and intelligent look for the evening. Someone did their homework and ended up Best in Class!

Cara Delevingne was one of Lagerfeld’s muses and closest friends. So it’s not surprising that she nailed the look tonight. While Lagerfeld is mostly known for his women’s wear, he was also known for his own sense of style. His crisp white shirt with oversized collar was made specifically for him (and his tailor still today refuses to recreate it for anyone!). Cara takes the iconic dress shirt and turns it into a sexy mini-shirt dress with black leggings and fingerless gloves. She even colored her hair to Karl’s silver color. The oversized sleeves also gave a cape-like effect to add to the drama. So fierce!

Lizzo won the night in custom Chanel. She took a classic Chanel look and pushed the envelope…then pushed it a lil further. I love all the lil the details including the pearl Chanel boots and stacked bracelets. While this might be a bit literal for the event, the girl looks stunning. Love. Love. Love.

Jessica Chastain made my jaw drop in the velvet and tulle Gucci gown. She floated up the stairs with her new platinum hair and black sunglasses (both a nod to Lagerfeld). The attitude. The silhouette. The sexiness. Karl would have been proud.

THE WORST

Kylie Jenner clearly went to the wrong event. She is a beautiful girl but this dress didn’t belong at this event. This red Jean-Paul Gauthier gown is lovely but I do not see the Karl Lagerfeld connection. Fail.

I adore Dua Lipa but this Chanel dress was boring - especially for a co-chair. Claudia Schiffer originally wore this dress…but it’s too matronly for Dua Lipa. And even the 200+ carats of Tiffany diamonds can’t save this look. Sorry.

Kim Kardashian’s Schiaparelli dress is lovely - but not on Kim and not for this event. First - the positives: the dress is incredible. It took over 1000 hours to make and utilized over 50,000 freshwater pearls. Kim’s hair and makeup look beautiful. Now the rest of it. It’s a nude illusion dress - so why is the nude fabric so far from Kim’s skin tone. A dress of this calibre would have taken this into account - which makes me think that this dress wasn’t actually meant for her. Secondly, the pearls are covering all the essential parts….though a few more strands would have been more tasteful. However, with so much going on with the dress, why add a crazy heavy diamond choker. And when I saw the scarf/wrap/etc around her, I could only assume she had it for the same reason she had the fur coat last year - because the dress didn’t do up in the back. Lastly - while Lagerfeld did use a lot of pearls in his designs, this was too much of a stretch. It was close, but no cigar.

Jeremy Pope - you need to surround yourself with people who are more educated in fashion. This was too…basic. Time to hire a new stylist. Btw - did Anna Wintour really approve this bad Rihanna knock-off?

2023 Academy Awards Fashion Critique

March 12, 2023

This year did not disappoint on the fashion front. Let’s dive right in and discuss some of the biggest looks of the evening!

THE BEST

Lady Gaga vamps it up on the champagne carpet in this Atelier Versace gown. While most actresses went for a light and breezy look, Gaga stood out with this dark and dramatic look. The gown fits perfectly and channels Demi Moore in Mugler in “Indecent Proposal.” The red lip and dark eyes perfectly complete the look. Jewels by Tiffany & Co.

Nicole Kidman almost always gets it right - and tonight is no different. This custom Armani Prive gown turned all the heads. The floral details are stunning and not overbearing. I love the loose locks and the light make-up. Perfection.

Janelle Monae departs from her typical black and white look and it pays off! This black and orange Vera Wang outfit was a knock-out on the carpet. Orange is the least worn color on the carpet - and it just pulled that much more attention. The styling with the choker is perfection. And her make-up, as always, is flawless!

Cara Delevingne brings all the glam to the carpet. This custom Elie Saab gives Cara her very own Angelina Jolie leg moment showcasing her Weitzman heels. The gown is dramatic and the Bulgari jewels are dripping. The sleek hair and makeup perfectly complete the ensemble. Bravo.

Harry Shum Jr. looked like a leading man in this tux variation that paid homage to his roots. This single lapel jacket by Adeam is modern and clean. Adeam exclusively designs womenswear so this was a first for the fashion house. I also appreciate how they chose to use navy instead of black. The outfit is completed with a satin obi belt and patent Louboutins.

Fan BingBing won the champagne carpet in this Tony Ward extravaganza! The halter-top and her hair and makeup are a nod to Old Hollywood glamour. The dramatic emerald sleeves and overskirt make Fan look like a giant bow. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE.

Jamie Lee Curtis often skips the red-carpet, but not tonight. She rocks this rhinestone-encrusted corseted Dolce & Gabbana dress. The fit is perfection. Her hair and make-up are radiant. It’s almost like the changed the carpet from red to champagne just to compliment her dress. Fab.

Ana de Armas sparkles in this silvery Louis Vuitton gown. The petals on the bottom of the dress were all constructed using a 3D printer and the dress took over 1000 hours to construct. Her relaxed hair and fresh makeup work perfectly with this look. While my only complaint is that it might look too bridal, it’s a stunning look for entertainment’s biggest night.

THE WORST

Allison Williams isn’t wearing the dress, the dress is wearing her. This Giambattista Valli Haute Couture gown is just too much. The thing I hate the most is the feather trim at the bottom, but paired with the jacket, and then the paisley print nude gown, it’s not working. Especially since she knows how to rock a carpet lock. However, I love this look from the neck up!

Halle Berry fizzles instead of sizzles in this Tamara Ralph gown. The white halter gown is encrusted with rose gold roses. But unlike Nicole Kidman’s Armani Prive floral details, these flowers look cheap. The slit is bordering on tasteless. The hair could have been swept back to reveal her beautiful face. In this case, bad clothes happen to good people!

I adore Cate Blanchett but this Louis Vuitton dress is not worthy of her greatness. Blanchett is usually always on the best dressed list, however this quirky 80s inspired dress does nothing for her. And considering she is a nominee tonight, extra care should have been given to her look. This was her time to shine, not fumble. In the words of Countess Luann: “Even Louis Vuitton makes mistakes!”

Michelle Williams looked like she was ready to walk down the aisle of her second wedding. This Chanel cape dress did little for her - and while it might have popped on a red carpet, she just blended into a sea of other white dresses on the champagne carpet. The cape is studded with crystals and pearls but it looks too matronly for the lovely Michelle. Hair and make-up look stunning though.

Florence Pugh gets low marks for this Valentino Couture look. I actually think that this is what Rihanna should have worn to the event - as it would have been a perfect maternity look. The color washes Florence out, the ruffles consume her. The shorts might have been a cute idea, but it throws off her proportions, as does her big clunky black heels. This could have been a hit on a taller actress or if it was styled differently. Again - from the neck up, she is stunning. Jewelry by Tiffany and Co.

Hong Chau almost got it right in this pink Prada dress with a Mandarin collar - but I can’t get past the tail. Had the train of the dress been the same color, or really any other color, it might not look like a horse tail. The funny thing is that a horse’s tail is actually comprised of long hairs called the skirt. Ironic yes, fashionable no.

2022 Oscar Fashion Critique

March 28, 2022

Well the world seems to be slowly returning to normal and the Oscars returned to their usual format. And with that, came the fashion. And as always, I’m here to bring you the Best and the Worst! Enjoy!

THE BEST

Jessica Chastain - She looked effortlessly flawless and comfortable in this ombre Gucci gown. From the sparkling top to the ruffled bottom, this dress wowed on the red carpet. The simplistic styling is why this dress isn’t “too much.” Jessica completed the look with a high pony, Stuart Weitzman heels, and chandelier earrings. Stunning.

Nicole Kidman - Nicole knows red carpet fashion. This Armani Privé peplum gown was made in a one-of-a-kind color for Kidman. This silk faille dress looked stunning on Nicole’s tall and slender frame. While at first I thought the dress was a bit safe, the more I saw Nicole in it, the more I loved it. Jewelry by Harry Winston.

Lupita Nyong’o - Lupita was the golden girl in this Prada sequined gown with floral and fringe accents. She looked absolutely radiant and the styling of this outfit was perfection with gold make-up. She has never looked more like a leading lady.

Simu Liu - Simu wore a bright red tuxedo by Atelier Versace and bucked the typical black. He made the look pop with gold accessories including a chest-piece and Omega watch. The red made the black bowtie and patent loafers pop. Loves it.

Kristen Stewart - In head-to-toe Chanel, Kristen brought her edgy look to the red carpet. While she might be nominated for playing royalty, she proved her style power by wearing the unexpected suit with short-short and sky-high Chanel heels. She completed the look with a ruby and silver lariat necklace.

Jada Pinkett Smith- I don’t think Jada has ever looked better than in this Jean Paul Gauthier structural couture gown. The emerald color is stunning on Jada and she kept the jewelry to a minimum. Her natural make-up allows for the dress to do the speaking.

Jada Pinkett Smith in Jean Paul Gauthier

Zendaya - She turned heads for all the right reasons in this Valentino cropped original. While it’s simple, it’s also striking. We’ve seen this look before (Calista Flockhart Emmy look in 1999), but Zendaya takes it to a new level and brings the glamour with a windswept updo, To play up the sparkle, she dripped with additional Bulgari bling.

THE WORST

Serena Williams - This dusty rose Gucci accordian dress did nothing for Serena. The color washes Serena out, and the heavy black details, lace gloves and platform sandals seem too jarring against the soft pink. Too much going on, the decals, the plunging neckline, the high slit, the oversized sleeves and structural shoulder-pads. Please just make it stop.

Kourtney Kardashian - While this isn’t the worst look at the Oscars, it might be the most boring. It’s really the wrong dress for the occasion. This Mugler dress does not properly fit the celeb. I also feel her hair and make-up age her an additional 20 years. She kept the look basic with Aquazzura sandals and minimal jewelry. Yawn.

Regina Hall - Whichever stylist suggested Regina wear this on the red carpet should be fired. Not only does the color wash Hall out, but it is also jarring on the red carpet. Regina’s hair and make-up look flawless but this dress should be burned. I dislike the visible panty-lines but I do like the strappy sandals.

Billie Eilish - Billie has shown that she can WOW on the red carpet, like she has in Oscar De La Renta in the past. However, this maxi Gucci dress just swallows Billie. The volume of the ruffles does nothing for Billie. However, her hair and make-up are beautiful and I commend her for taking chances with that. However, this was her night to shine and sadly this dress doesn’t do her justice.

Maggie Gyllenhaal - This Schiaparelli couture column dress looked like Maggie had lost a bet. While it fit beautifully and Maggie’s hair and make-up are stunning, I can’t get past the unusual gold adornments. It looks like golden gum wads were stuck on to the dress. Urgh.

Wesley Snipes - This look was tragic. From the monochromatic burgundy suit - so the shorts and leggings - to the matching aviators and black clunky shoes, nothing seems to go right. It’s March - shorts certainly don’t make sense. While I like the color of the suit, I dislike the shirt and bowtie with it. You know that alot of thought went into this look, but that just makes the whole look even more sad. Can’t find the designer of the suit…shocking.

2020 Academy Awards Fashion Critique

February 9, 2020

BEST

Janelle Monáe - She rocked the red carpet in this custom Ralph Lauren silver gown. While staying true to her own style, this dress channeled the iconic Grace Jones. Janelle totally shone - but the necklace and jewels from Forevermore didn’t hurt. Her hair and makeup are perfection as always. The past few years Janelle has owned the red carpet and has become the one to watch. By the way, the dress is embellished with a mere 168,000 Swarovski crystals.

Rebel Wilson - Old Hollywood glamour has never looked so good. Rebel stunned in this custom metallic gold dress by Jason Wu. Her hair and makeup perfectly matched the outfit. And while she might not have been nominated, she certainly was a winner!

Molly Sims - She is no stranger to the red carpet or runway - but more importantly, she knows what works for her. Molly totally wows in this Zuhair Murad couture gown. With it’s metallic and sequinned top and it’s flowy satin skirt, this dress highlights Molly’s best features. She finished the look with nude Christian Louboutins, a Judith Lieber clutch and Chopard ring. Hair and makeup are flawless and breezy. One of the best dressed by far!

Gal Gadot - This stunning Givenchy Haute Couture gown showcases Gal so beautifully. The dramatic sheer lace top and dramatic pink ruffled skirt are just what the red carpet needed. Her hair looks incredible pulled back and I love the bright red lip. The statement necklace from Tiffany & Co. perfectly completed her ensemble.

Mindy Kailing - I don’t always love Mindy’s fashion choices but she looks like Hollywood royalty in this Dolce & Gabbana canary yellow gown. It appears that some of the A-listers are beginning to warm up to D&G, but if I can look beyond the label, this one-shoulder sweetheart neckline dress is perfect for Mindy. It is perfectly tailored and makes her look like a million bucks. Speaking of a million bucks, think a bit higher. She is wearing over 135 carats of diamonds from Chopard - enough to warrant it’s own security guard. Love the hair but I would have gone with lighter make up.

Charlize Theron - This Dior Haute Couture gown was perfect on Charlize. While I would have loved to see her in something more dramatic, I respect the style and the full look. I enjoy the one-shoulder detail and the sweeping train. I love the hair and the makeup and the showstopping necklace by Tiffany & Co.

Scarlett Johansson - This might be my favorite look of the night. Nominated for best actress, she showed up as a winner. This Oscar de la Renta gown certainly turned heads. I especially appreciate the crystal draping atop the corset and champagne skirt. The dress was sexy and modern but still classic enough if she had won the award. Jewelry by Forevermark.

Renée Zellweger - I was most excited to see what Renée would wear on the red carpet tonight. I knew it would be something simple and classic - but she brought the sparkle in this one-shoulder Armani Privé gown. As long as the dress doesn’t look bridal, white is a great choice for the red carpet. She kept the hair and make up simple and just added a few extra diamonds by David Webb.

Olivia Colman - She looked like a total winner in this velvet Stella McCartney dress with an asymmetrical cape. I love the keyhole details on her shoulders - it adds a structural interest that many dresses were lacking this year. Love her new blond pixie cut and her fresh make up. Shoes by Jimmy Choo.

Kristen Wiig - This dress isn’t for everyone but I think this is the best Kristen has ever looked. This is Kristen’s fashion moment - she proved that she can rock couture in this daring Valentino dress with side cut-outs. The black opera gloves were perfect to bring the drama with this outfit. The ruffles are everything! The only thing I would have changed are the shoes - a black pump would have completed the look so much better. But I’m really being knitpicky. This is a total 10/10!

Brie Larson - Brie is another actress that is unpredictable on the red carpet but I was relieved to see her in this gorgeous Celine gown. And while it could be a bit reminiscent of Gwyneth in 2012 (Queen of the Cape Dress), she stood out with over 13,000 Swarovski jewels, a dramatic neckline, and high slits. The light pink worked perfectly on her. Hair and makeup are flawless - not to mention the Bulgari jewelry.

BORING

Idina Menzel - Idina looked pretty in pink - pretty forgettable. This J. Mendel dress failed to deliver any wow factor for this superstar. Love her light makeup and her 60+ carats of Harry Winston diamonds.

Penelope Cruz - Penelope usually brings the drama to the red carpet but this Chanel halter-dress was such a snoozer. While I love the pearl belt, I’m not a fan of the oversized flower detail. She kept her hair and make up simple and looked beautiful as always. Please find a new stylist and bring your regular za-za-zoo!

Salma Hayek-Pinault - You notice how Salma went from Hayek to Hayek-Pinault? Yup - her husband is the Chairman and CEO of Kering - a luxury group that owns Gucci, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, and Yves Saint Laurent. So she literally could have ANY dress she wanted. And this is what she chooses for Hollywood’s biggest night? Yawn. While I will forget this Gucci dress, I am in love with her stunning bracelet from Boucheron.

Regina King - While Regina looks fine…that’s about as much credit as I can give her. This pink Versace dress lacks the punch and panache that Regina deserves. Her hair and makeup are just ok but at least I can’t fault the Harry Winston jewels.

Florence Pugh - It might be Louis Vuitton, but it looks more like a bridesmaid dress than a red carpet look for a nominated actress. The colour is refreshing on the red carpet, but the dress is forgettable. Her hair and make-up and jewels are all lovely.

WORST

Billie Eilish - I understand that Billie is young and wants to assert her style - but this is just such a wasted moment. You can look hip and not look like you live in a dumpster. Why Chanel allowed this is beyond me. This Chanel pantsuit is embellished with several Chanel brooches. She accessorized with as many pieces as she possibly could - from the fingerless gloves to the rings, scarves, and hair clips.

Margot Robbie - Another Chanel-Crime. This vintage Chanel dress does nothing for Margot. I almost always love her fashion sensibility but this dress belongs on Sophie Loren. The caped sleeves scream matronly. The brooch in the centre is hideous. As for hair and make up, the lip is too bright for the dress and it’s the Oscars, you coulda splurged and touched up the roots. Just sayin’.

Laura Dern - Armani Prive meets the O.K. Corral? This dress reads too saloon-girl for me. Is her next role in a spaghetti western? Hard pass on this black and pink gown. Sorry Laura but congrats on the win.

Cynthia Erivo - All eyes were on Cynthia as she was nominated for best actress. She also performed a powerful number in front of the entire audience. Unfortunately she failed to deliver in this Atelier Versace number. There was just too much going on from the high slit, the cross strap, the mesh cut-outs, the heavy beading, the petal details and sweetheart neckline. Is this a couture gown or figure skating outfit? And the styling just made it worse…with her 9 rings and multiple earrings (courtesy of Piaget), it was just overboard. Shoes by Stuart Weitzman.

Natalie Portman - Did Natalie go goth? Is she attending a lavish funeral after the awards show? What a drastic departure to days gone by. Natalie showed up in this Dior Haute Couture gown? that left us all a bit puzzled. It was dark and well…sinister. Why oh why? Jewels by Cartier.

Saoirse Ronan - I always look forward to seeing what Saoirse is going to wear on the red carpet - but tonight I literally had to look away. What the hell? This Gucci dress is a train wreck. The colours don’t work well together. Peplums are so 4 years ago. From the peplum up, gorgeous. The rest is beyond hideous. Hair and make up, beautiful. Biggest disappointment of the night.

Billy Porter - This had to be the ugliest outfit on the red carpet. Billy is a veteran and I want to see him slay on the carpet. This Giles Deacon Couture ensemble just looked dumpy. The top I could give a pass (though not formal enough for the event), but the skirt gave me a headache. Jimmy Choo boots underneath just killed any hope of glamour. Billy, I’ll be in NYC in June. Please let me take you shopping!

2020 Grammy Awards Fashion Critique

January 28, 2020

First of all, thanks for all the messages and notes asking if I was still doing fashion articles. I had a terrible cold during the Golden Globes and just couldn’t get an article out. So I’m going to try to make it up to you with this year’s Grammy review.

There was plenty going on at the Grammy red carpet this year - but maybe the most shocking was the lack of celebrity powerhouses. Beyonce (who was at 2 pre-Grammy award events this weekend) was very noticeably absent, especially considering her four nominations. Taylor Swift who had three nominations backed out from showing and performing. Lady Gaga - absent even though she ended up winning 2 Grammys. Cardi B - skipped the carpet entirely. Kacey Musgraves where are you? And Keith Urban’s fashionista and multi-talented wife Nicole Kidman was at home with the flu. But even with the lack of star-power, there was still plenty to look at.

THE BEST

Ariana Grande brought the drama (very fitting) in this oversized Giambattista Valli Haute Couture gown. The grey tulle dress was over 20 feet in diameter…which is pretty epic considering Ariana’s tiny frame. This is likely why she took a little rest on the red carpet. She finished the look with opera gloves and custom Louboutin heels with non-slip soles. And not surprisingly, she wore her signature ponytail and dark cateye.

Gwen Stefani stole the show in this short beaded Dolce & Gabanna dress. Stefani is taking a big risk, being one of the few A-List celebrities willing to wear Dolce & Gabanna on a red carpet. Over the past year, Dolce & Gabanna have been blacklisted for racism and extremely offensive social media. Regardless of that, the dress is perfection on Gwen. I love the shimmer, the design, the shape - pretty much everything. While I would have preferred a pair of killer heels, these boots make the outfit edgier which is more authentic to Gwen. Her hair and makeup - stunning. I hope Blake knows how lucky he is.

Jameela Jamil is not a name I’ve ever heard before (she is the girlfriend of James Blake)…but it’s certainly one I’m going to remember. She bested the majority of the celebrities in this vibrant blue pailette shingle tiered gown from Georges Chakra - a Lebanese-based haute couture designer. The dress is young and playful and a great choice for her. Her makeup and hair are beautiful - and the absence of jewelry makes us focus on one thing: her face. Overall, one of the most memorable looks of the night. Can’t wait to see her on the next red carpet

Heidi Klum impresses me (finally) in this killer Dundas dress. 9 times out of 10, Heidi goes kooky and ends up on my worst dressed list. I love Heidi - and she is super sweet in person (we had a shopping moment together on Roberston Blvd in LA). So I was so glad she wowed me at the Grammys. Love the jewelry and the Giuseppe Zanotti sandals. If I was going to picky, I’d likely have pulled some of the hair back or up or cut off a couple inches. Happy seeing Heidi looking her best self.

Lizzo has never looked better - thanks to Atelier Versace. When I first saw this look, I loved how she was channeling a Marilyn Monroe look with the draped faux fur and diamonds. I’m glad that Lizzo kept the makeup and hair simple and fresh because there is a lot going on with this look already - and bold hair and makeup could have ruined this look. The construction and fit of the dress is perfection - proving Versace still has it. Her strappy sandals are by Rene Caovilla and the $2 million worth of diamonds are by Lorraine Schwartz.

Oooooo oooooo ooooo. Bebe Rexha was certainly not shy in this oversized Christian Cowan tuxedo with chainmail turtleneck. Last year, Bebe had difficulty finding a designer to work with her (because she isn’t sample size) - but since then she is always one of my faves to watch and she almost always knocks it out of the ballpark. Her hair and makeup - brilliant. I think this is the sexiest look of the night. Well done!

Camila Cabello all too often dresses too girly for my liking - but at this year’s Grammys she embraced her womanhood. She proved that she can handle couture in this edgy gothic Atelier Versace gown. The sculptural overskirt sits atop a woven leather minidress embellished with Swarovski crystals. Certainly Camila appreciates her bling, including the $2 million (over 100 carats) that were provided by Le Vian.

Methinks that Shawn Mendes and Common went shopping together. Shawn totally rocked this Louis Vuitton berry colored tux while Common went for a deeper wine Dolce & Gabbana suit. Both look incredible - but these shades clash with the red carpet. So they might have looked better with black trousers. Overall, I can’t fault their fashion or how they look.

The Jonas Brothers certainly turned heads in their metallic suits by Ermenegildo Zegna XXX. Knowing that they would be photographed together, I appreciate that they worked with a single fashion house to wear complimentary looks. I especially like Nick’s bronze suit and matching shoes and bracelet. A very modern take on formal wear.

The Jonas Brothers in Ermenegildo Zegna XXX

The Worst

Lil Nas X is used to bold outfits but this is just silly. He looks more like a piece of bubble gum than an artist in this Versace ensemble. There is just too much going on from the studding, the exaggerated shoulders, the hat, the harness, the fishnet, the collar, the double belt, the scarf around the wrist and so much more. It actually hurts my eyes looking at this. Lil Nas X - keep the costumes for the stage, not the red carpet.

Oh you two. What on earth were you thinking? Chrissy looks laughable in this peach Yanina Couture gown with dramatic tulle ruffles. I do think her hair and makeup look gorgeous. John isn’t a tall guy - so why is wearing an asymmetrical 3/4 length blazer. It chops him and makes him look even shorter. I couldn’t find the designer of his suit - but perhaps they have gone into hiding?

Billie Eilish proved that she can wear high fashion. Sadly, she also proved she can’t wear it well. This is just silly. Now I love my Gucci but this isn’t stylish, nor a statement, nor attractive. The face-mask makes me think she is either a ninja or has coronavirus or both. The oversized logo suit does nothing for her. The lime green matches her hair - but not sure that’s exactly a good thing either. While I actually think her GG nails are really awesome, the fingerless logo gloves make her look more like a crypt-keeper. Finally, the bejewelled Gucci shoes she is wearing are several seasons old. I much preferred the Gucci outfit she wore to perform in.

I like that Billy Porter embraces his true self - but Billy needs to embrace fashion and not gimmicks. Billy’s hat had a motorized fringe - but if you look closely, the construction was amateur. The hat is silly. The fact that it’s motorized is ridiculous. The sparkly blue pantsuit by Baja East looks like it came out of a terrible early 80s music video. Even Billy’s jewelry bothered me…for starters, whats with the spider bracelet? The spider bracelet didn’t even fit and looked as though it was about to fall off his wrist when he was presenting. Billy can work with any stylist or designer, and I would to see him in more luxurious and stylish fashion. Please Billy Please!

Shania Twain don’t impress me much in this trainwreck of a dress by Christian Siriano. This polka-dot tulle ruffle dress over a black romper has way too much going on. The skirt and sleeves are oversized and not flattering. I actually like the ruffled neckline but the belt looks cheap. The romper is too young for the 54 year old songstress. But what I like the least is the hair. C’mon girl. You looked great in the silver mirrored dress that you presented in…that should have been your red carpet look.

I love Ben Platt. I love Balmain. But this just doesn’t not work for me. Did Ben raid Liza Minnelli’s closet? Was this from the original Cabaret? The turtleneck with the retro print just makes him look twice his age. I don’t like the short trousers but I do like the Jimmy Choos he is wearing. So I guess he did something right. Ben, I’ll be in NYC for the Tony Awards - lets go shopping and I’ll get you all suited up for next gala season - ok?

2019 Met Gala Fashion Critique

May 7, 2019

2019 Met Gala Fashion Critique

Susan Sontag’s essay “Camp: Notes on Fashion” gave the Met Gala it’s theme this year. And what does that mean exactly? Think ‘Campy’ - not tents and s’mores. Over the top. Exaggerated. Artificial. Outrageous. For women, think Jem & the Holograms meets Cher meets RuPaul. Camp fashion is a very broad theme which allows for a lot of personal style. So for this year, while fashion is important, styling is even more so. We’re going to see couture on the pink carpet regardless, but who is going to get Anna Wintour’s seal of approval?

The Best

Cardi B

How does she manage to wow us after wearing the wild Mugler vintage piece from the Grammys? By wearing this dramatic quilted and sequinned gown that forces everyone else out of the picture. This is how you make an entrance at the Met. From the feathered trim to the matching gloves and cap, this Thom Browne dress was absolutely everything!

Lady Gaga

While I think Cardi B’s dress may have won my heart, Mother Monster stole the show with her outrageous 15 minute strip performance. She started off in a hot pink parachute dress with matching bow. After working herself up and down the steps, she shed her skin down to structural black dress…then down to a slinky pink gown and finally down to her bra and panties. I guess when you’re the co-chair of the event, you can do what you like. However, as one of the first to arrive, Lady Gaga set the bar crazy high for the rest of the attendees.

Ciara

Not only is this emerald green color incredible on Ciara, but all the details were spot on with this Peter Dundas gown. The feather train, the sexy cut-outs, and all the sequins. But the real stunner was that head-turning Afro. The whole look was giving me vintage Cher vibes.

Zendaya

You really need to see this to believe it. This Tommy Hilfiger dress transformed Zendaya into Cinderella right on the pink carpet. The use of fibre optics makes this dress really magical. But the look doesn’t stop there - I loved the glass slippers and the hair style. Apparently the dress also had the capability to change shape as well…but hopefully not into a pumpkin at midnight!

Jennifer Lopez

JLo looked gorgeous in this Versace outfit with matching cap - however, I was a bit underwhelmed. Knowing what a true fashionista she is, I really expected a bit more from her. This look did remind me of Bob Mackie outfit from the 70s but we’ve seen this style of outfit on her a bit too often for it to have any novelty.

Kylie Jenner

This Versace number was so spot on that I don’t have a single complaint. The plumage is fun and the matching wig ties it all together. The Versace gown is scandalous but in all the right ways. The silhouette is a knock out. I don’t think she has ever made my ‘Best Dressed’ list before - but this is pretty stellar.

Janelle Monae

This Christian Siriano dress was killer on Janelle. Drawing inspiration from the surreal, I love that this dress kept with her personal style of black and white while still being playful. I loved the Madhatter-esque hat and the blinking eye. Gotta love the exaggeration.

Katy Perry

When we think of modern camp performers, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga are the first to come to mind. Katy is always a favourite at the Met - so I was actually expecting her to steal the show tonight. While it was hard to top Gaga, she certainly looked luminous in this Moschino crystal dress. Oh yeah, and the attached fully functional chandelier! She looked gorgeous - but to have a bit more fun, she changed into a cheeseburger outfit later on. And no, you didn’t just misread that.

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The Worst

Billy Porter

Now before you get upset, I loved his entrance and I love the concept he was going for. Apparently he was inspired after watching Elizabeth Taylor as Cleopatra. Cool. But for me, thats where it ends. His outfit, designed by The Blonds, was too costume-y and not enough fashion. The body suit was ill-fitting and the straps were distracting. And while Elizabeth Taylor was camp, I don’t feel like an Egyptian Sun-God necessarily is. Did you get your years mixed up? The 2018 theme was Heavenly Bodies - and maybe this would have been more appropriate. Finally, Katy Perry rocked the wings last year…give it a beat before copying.

The Olsen Twins

This is likely the most un-camp outfits out there. You girls should have just stayed at home and read about Auntie Lori likely going to jail. The are dressed for a Blade movie marathon. Perhaps that can convince Anna Wintour to have next year’s theme be Vampire chic. Then they can wear these hideous lil trench dresses again.

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Serena Williams

I understand what Serena was going for with this dress, but it failed. Is she wearing the dress or is the dress wearing her? This yellow Versace gown did no favours for her athletic frame and I think the colour was a bad choice. I don’t mind that she is wearing her collab running shoes and at least they match. Just too much going on here and not enough of it is working for me.

Kim Kardashian

Well…I like this dress. Not on Kim Kardashian. It borders on obscene with how tight it is. I’ve never heard of anyone being corseted into a latex dress. It’s actually a custom Mugler - who came out of retirement to design this for her. BUT…tonight she revealed that they have been designing it together for over 8 months. The theme for the Met Gala was only announced 7 months ago. So I feel like she just wore it because it’s fashion and not on theme. And her husband should have been denied entrance in his $43 Dickies jac. If a man isn’t going to dress in theme, he is still expected to dress black-tie for this event. Then again, Kanye would have to be a man. So…

Jordan Roth

Well the man owns a theatre. So he decided to dress himself as one? Lame. Where is the fashion to this? How is this campy exactly? Is this actually an oversized kaftan? Fail.

Celine Dion

I was so torn on this. I love Celine and I actually love the Oscar De La Renta dress, even if it does weigh over 25 lbs. My major issue is with the styling. The headdress should have been filled with lush plumes and instead they look bare. Is the bird sick? Dead? It pulls a lot of attention and not in a good way. The makeup is a bit severe and she doesn’t look her best at all. However, if we cut her head out of the pic, she has never looked better.

2019 Academy Awards Fashion Critique

February 24, 2019

It was the biggest awards night of the year for show-business. This year we saw lots of common trends in what the celebrities wore: capes, sparkle, shades of pink, the return of pants and men in velvet tuxedos. More than any other awards show I’ve seen, the celebrities came dressed well. Some played it safe, but lets take a look at who shone bright (and the few who didn’t).

BEST

Awkwafina - She looked badass in this perfectly tailored DSquared2 sparkly pink tuxedo. The oversized bow at the neck gave it some interest. The tossled hair and light makeup were perfection. Chopard jewelry was the perfect icing on the cake.

Melissa McCarthy - Melissa never looked better than in this feminine take on a tuxedo. The white and black satin caped outfit with tuxedo pants hits all the right notes. If I was going to be picky, I would have gone with a slimmer cut on the leg, but now I’m knit-picking. She looks elegant and gorgeous and very on-trend.

Octavia Spencer - Octavia was glowing in this glittering blue Christian Siriano gown. The colour was perfect on her. She looks relaxed and ready for a win. Her hair and makeup are great. Loves it!

Michelle Yeoh -She looks exquisite in this nude and metallic gown by Elie Saab. The dress has so much detail that I could look at it for hours and it moved so lovely on the red carpet. Jewelery was the best of the night - the Chopard drop diamond earrings were mesmerizing and her cuff was monumental. Make-up beautiful, hair was meh. Clutch by Roger Vivier.

Angela Bassett - Angela wowed in this hot pink Reem Acra gown with dramatic bow detail. The “Black Panther” star brought plenty of drama to the red carpet. Pink was certainly the colour of the night. The oversized bow would usually bother me, but because its far enough away from her face, it doesn’t distract from the look. The rest of her styling was on point.

Jennifer Hudson - Seriously - she looks better and better everytime I see her. Jennifer looked fantastic in this asymmetrical red Elie Saab couture gown. Wearing red on the red carpet is always a risk but the colours are different enough that it photographs well. The ruffle and scallop details give the look a romantic feel. Hair and makeup flawless.

Constance Wu - This pleated marigold custom Versace gown was the talk of the red carpet. Constance wore this off-the-shoulder pleated dress with a light cape detail. Stunning hair and makeup. Her Atelier Swarovski jewelry were eye-catching - earrings were an incredible statement piece.

Emilia Clarke - I loved this purple shimmery sculptural Balmain gown. Emilia looked gorgeous in this color. Of course diamonds are the perfect touch to add a bit more sparkle and she chose the perfect lip shade. Emilia has the potential to be a fashionista and hopefully we’ll see her take more risks in the future.

Stephan James - This amazing custom Etro red velvet tuxedo set the bar for men’s fashion for the evening. While I disliked the white patent boots and would have gone with black, he is young enough to pull it off. The oversized bowtie and lapel pin made him stand out on the carpet.

Mark Ronson - Mark looked dashing in this Maison Lancel shawl tuxedo with white piping details. The oversized velvet bowtie gave the look a bit more of a relaxed feel. And I want to steal his Roger Vivier shoes right off his feet. You a size 11 Mark?

Gemma Chan - Someone brought the drama to the Oscars in this hot pink Valentino parachute dress. It floated as she glided down the red carpet. The high collar and sleveless details add to the stunning design of this dress. One of the best looks of the night.

Helen Mirren - Helen looked sexy and playful in this vivid pink Schiaparelli gown. The hidden layers of colour gave the dress different colouring at different angles. And Helen’s diamond wreath necklace was everything!

Amy Adams - l enjoyed Amy in this Versace gown. It fit her perfectly and showed off her assets. The pattern was interesting and this is how you should do white on a red carpet. No one is hearing wedding bells with this showstopper! And I love that she was dripping in platinum and diamond jewelry courtesy of Cartier.

Rachel Weisz - I was shocked to see Rachel in this red rubber Givenchy couture dress. While I love the sexiness of the dress, I thought the innocent schoolgirl styling of the headband and hair didn’t work with it. But I love the mini cape and the rubber detailing on the body of the dress. The color is perfect for her and I think its a great fashion moment, from the ears down. Jewelry by Cartier

Jason Momoa & Lisa Bonet - Both in Karl Lagerfeld in couture Fendi. They looked exceptional matching in dusty pink. I think Jason outshone his beautiful wife in the tuxedo, they both wanted to pay homage to the late Lagerfeld. I loved the fact that they colour-coordinated but can someone please tell me why he is wearing a scrunchie on his wrist?

Jason Momoa and Lisa Bonet in Fendi couture

Emma Stone - Emma has been disappointing me at several of this seasons events but not tonight. I love this sequinned maroon Louis Vuitton column dress. The diamond pattern was unique and the shape was memorable.

Jennifer Lopez - Her Tom Ford mirrorball inspired dress was beyond words. Tom Ford hasn’t been dressing as many celebs this awards season - but when he does, he does it well. This was the perfect dress for Jennifer and her figure. Her hair and makeup (as always) were flawless.

Allison Janney - Allison looked glamorous in this Pamella Roland velvet tuxedo-esque gown. It shows of her sleek frame and height and photographs well. Black is always a safe choice on the red carpet - especially dripping in Chopard jewelry (enough that warrants having a dedicated bodyguard alongside her). You can tell Allison fells comfortable and pretty - and what more could you ask for?

Lady Gaga - The newly single Gaga turned heads in this black Alexander McQueen with leather gloves. But its very possible that you missed the dress because you were blindsided by the 128 carat canary diamond she was wearing around her neck. The ‘Tiffany’ diamond was last worn in 1967 by Audrey Hepburn for a photo shoot and its the third time this necklace has ever been worn. While I wouldn’t have normally paired a yellow diamond with this dark dress, Gaga lightened the her look with platinum hair and fresh light makeup. An iconic look for years to come - classy and edgy.

Krysten Ritter - This is how you dress a baby bump. She looked crazy beautiful in this figure hugging Reem Acra lace dress. Stunning.

FAILS

Regina King - Ok - this is a beautiful Oscar de la Renta dress but the overall look was too bridal for the red carpet. There was nice detailing along the hip over the slit. But the Chopard jewels and Louboutins weren’t enough to save this look. But please let me know where you’re registered at.

Tina Fey- Tina looked like she was in a bridesmaid’s dress…which is not surprising that this is custom Vera Wang. Her hair and makeup are gorgeous. The colour is lovely on her but the rest is a snoozefest.

Charlize Theron - This backless baby blue Dior couture gown could have been a hit, but it mostly looked uncomfortable. The mock turtleneck and pointed shoulders with long sleeves just seemed overdone. I can’t tell what the fabric is - but it looks poly and itchy (though hopefully it isn’t). The Bulgari necklace is fab - hair and makeup look fine. Overall forgettable.

Maya Rudolph - Dress was too big and swallowed her up. The matching dress and cape detail were just too much. The pattern is too busy. But at least I know who took my grandmothers’ old curtains.

Laura Harrier - Beautiful girl but the styling was all wrong. The baby blue Louis Vuitton dress and matching shoes derailed quickly. The ruby and emerald statement necklace and the green eyeshadow and red nails all clashed with the softness of the dress. I would have changed the shoes to a silver metallic heel to add some interest. And the dress itself, while ok, looked a bit too much like a prom dress.

Yalitza Aparicio - This Rodarte dress was pretty but not what we would expect for a best actress nominee. Rodarte is an incredible designer and they should have helped her find a dress that would help her make a statement. Sadly, no one will remember this one.

Brie Larson - While this Celine (by Hedi Slimane) dress is beautiful, it makes the pale Brie look like ghostly. Had the hair been darker and the makeup more prominent, MAYBE this could have worked. But if Beyonce wore this to the Grammys, she likely would have been best dressed. Sorry Brie.

Glenn Close - Glenn was way over-the-top (I can’t believe I said that!) in this Wes Gordon for Carolina Herrera gold capped dress. The dress had over 4 million beads and weighed 42lbs. It also was the envy of Liberace’s ghost.

Linda Cardellini - Well who doesn’t love a mullet dress cut down to the navel?!?! This pink Schiaparelli should be burned immediately. If not sooner. It’s so bad. And before you fire your stylist, please take them for an eye examination first. Thanks.

Photos courtesy of Pinterest

2019 Grammy Awards Fashion Critique

February 11, 2019

On music’s biggest night, the stars came out blazing at the 2019 Grammy awards. Some wore their best and others made us shake our heads in bewilderment. Lets take a look at some of the most notable looks of the evening.

BEST

Camila Cabello - While I might be over her hit song ‘Havana,’ this look is pure perfection. The glitzy frosted pink Armani gown fits her perfectly. I like the high neck and backless combination. Sexy but not overdone. Her hair and make up couldn’t be better. Standing ovation.

Cardi B - I’m as shocked as you are that Cardi B made the best dressed list. This daring archived Mugler (fall 1995) is high fashion but fits Cardi’s persona perfectly - head to toe. She looked like a cartoon character - but in a good way. And lets face it, besides a Kardashian, who else could pull this off. I loved it and it made me smile.

Kacey Musgrave - This soft billowy tulle Valentino was the perfect contrast to Kacey’s dark shiny hair. The pale dress moved beautifully on the red carpet and Kacey looks radiant in it.

Due Lipa - Wow. Wow. Wow. Due Lipa looks stunning in this silver strapless Versace. But who can get past her Bvlgari necklace with over 100 carats of diamonds and emeralds. Possibly the best look of the night!

Bebe Rexha - Bebe took to social media after being turned away by several designers who refused to dress her size 8 frame - claiming she was too big for couture. The fashion world quickly came to her rescue and some of the biggest names (Jeremy Scott, Christian Siriano and Karl Lagerfeld all personally offered to dress her) came to her rescue. However, Bebe chose middle eastern designer Monsoori to design this beautiful cherry dress with a dramatic abundance of ruffles. Her jewelry was by Chanel and David Morris jewellers. So beautiful.

Shawn Mendes - He may be young but he proved to be a leading man on the fashion front in this standout Paul Smith blue tuxedo. The tux fit perfectly and Shawn stood out from the crowd. He looked relax and cool but so hot.

Anna Kendrick - Anna looked like she brought the party in this adorable feathered and jewelled Ralph & Russo mini dress. Anna’s tiny frame pulled this pretty lil dress off so well. She kept the hair and make up simple. Her metallic silver heels finished the look perfectly.

Miley Cyrus - This could have gone either way. I don’t love the oversized jacket, but I do like how she wore the Mugler tuxedo. Going bare chested (which seems to be her signature look lately) and pairing with a flared and cropped pant really worked. The strappy sandal was the right way to add a feminine touch to the menswear look. I also loved Miley’s long hair.

Janelle Monae - Only Lady Gaga or Janelle could have pulled this Jean Paul Gauthier dress off. The angular dress could easily be a disaster but it looks great on Monae. I don’t love the hat BUT the angles and colours work with the lines of the dress. Her makeup is flawless (as usual). Also, Monae usually wears white and black on the red carpet - and I love the fact that she traded black for this deep wine colour.

Lady Gaga - Speaking of Gaga, I liked her dress but felt she played it a bit safe. Perhaps because she has so much on the line this awards season and she doesn’t want to rock the boat before the Oscars. However, she looked like a couture disco ball in this Celine gown - which for me, is fitting for Lady Gaga. Shoes by Jimmy Choo and jewelry by Tiffany.

WORST

Jennifer Lopez - She rarely ends up on my worst dressed list but…grrrrr. The Ralph & Russo dress was ok at best…but it didn’t fit properly and wrinkled the entire midsection and bunched at the back. The hat was bad. Real bad. You’re not Pharell and this ain’t Ascot. However, all is forgiven since your performance was incredible and your performance outfits were so much better than this. But can you please burn A-Rod’s dye-tie Tom Ford jacket please?

Jennifer Lopez in Ralph & Russo, Alex Rodriguez in Tom Ford

Maren Morris - Initially I was torn with this Galia Lahav dress as it photographed alright from a few angles. But the more I looked at it, the less I liked it. While the flower embellishment was likely inspired from Sex & the City, even Carrie Bradshaw wouldn’t approve of this. The train was too long, the day glow shoes are too much and the sheerness of the fabric take away from the look. The pattern screams more curtains than red carpet. Sorry Maren…I really wanted to love this.

Kylie Jenner - This Balmain number made me laugh. It’s not everyday we see a pepto-pink pleated pantsuit on a 21 year old fashion model. Oh and lets add matching gloves. The fabric seems to swallow her but thank goodness for the bedazzled belt. *shakes head* This look is much more ‘mom-ager’ than ‘model.’

Heidi Klum. Hey Heidi. Back on the worst dressed list again eh? My first impression was this Stephane Rolland dress was a Halloween costume as a feminine hygiene product with wings…and crystal embellishment. Seriously, enough of the wacky costumes. You’re on a supermodel. Any decent designer will dress you. For free. Let them help you. And while you’re at it, a quick come through the hair wouldn’t hurt. Kisses.

Katy Perry - Well well. You’ve been compared to a cupcake but I really think you look more like a knitted toilet roll cozy. This Balmain dress is just too much. While I think the bodice is cool, the ruffles and shape kill it. On the plus side, your hair and make up are gorgeous.

Charlie Puth - Puth looked putrid in Prada. I’m not sure who thought that a bright red shirt would save this look. It looks like he dug the entire look out of his grandfather’s basement.

Andra Day - While she may be incredible talented, she looked like a coquettish grape in this feathered mini-dress. And I don’t love the exposed matching stockings. But if I’m trying to find a nice thing to say, I don’t hate your Sophia Webster shoes? Yeah - that’s all I got.

There were also a few ‘costumes’ that were BAD but weren’t fashion. And I didn’t want to give them the attention that they were so thirsty for.

2019 Golden Globe Awards Fashion Critique

January 6, 2019

2019 Awards Season has begun and now we get to see the best and worst looks on the red carpet. This year the celebs did a great job and there were some beautiful looks. But there were also some boring and disastrous outfits. So lets review how our favourite actors dressed to accept their big awards last night.

Best

Regina King wowed in this rose Alberta Ferretti cocktail dress. The strapless sparkly gown accentuated her curves perfectly. The dress itself could have been styled sweet or overly sexy, but as a mother, Regina kept it on the classy side. Her hair and makeup are flawless. This double nominee is certainly one of the best dressed of the night.

Sandra Oh brought the Hollywood glamour in this bright white asymmetrical Atelier Versace gown. The ruche detailing on the shoulder brought enough drama to make the look memorable and modern. Sandra’s vintage-inspired side-swept hair and bright red lip go so well with the look. Her final touch included ethically sourced Forevermark diamond earrings and bangles. Such a beautiful look.

Kristen Bell looked pretty in pale pink with this Zuhair Murad gown. I love the detailing on the shoulder that tied in well with the diamond bracelets. The dress, the hair, the makeup, the jewelry. All perfection.

Emily Blunt & John Krasinski are possibly the best dressed couple on the red carpet tonight. Emily wowed in this silver lace Alexander McQueen gown. Her fresh face and swept up hair gives her an effortless look. John looks dashing in his navy tuxedo and matching Louboutin Alpha Male flats. It doesn’t get much better than this.

Emily Blunt & John Krasinski in Alexander McQueen

Lady Gaga made a big statement in her big periwinkle Valentino Haute Couture gown. And while it swallowed her tiny frame, she paid homage to Judy Garland’s character in the 1954 version. While I don’t love love love the dress, I do think the outfit works. Though I would never suggest someone colour their hair periwinkle, it kept it true to Gaga. She finished the look with massive jewelry from Tiffany and silver Giuseppe Zanotti shoes.

Judy Garland in A Star is Born from 1954

Penelope Cruz stunned in this Ralph & Russo Couture halter-top gown. It caught the light so beautifully illuminating designs in purple and turquoise. The dress was sophisticated, interesting and pure fashion. While Penelope asserted this week that her and Donatella Versace (who she portrayed in last year’s FX Series: The Assassination of Gianni Versace) still have a good relationship, I’m surprised that she didn’t wear Versace for this event. Also, she just started her campaign with Chanel…so that would have been my second guess for her choice of designer.

Nicole Kidman looks incredible in this Michael Kors’ sequinned gown. Nicole looks stunning, classy and sexy. The skintight dress is daring but works perfectly. Red is always a risk on the red carpet, but Nicole is a veteran and pulls it off. The hair and makeup are (as usual) flawless. And I LOVE the disco ball bag she chose to finish her look. WOW.

Halle Berry brought the sexiness in this Zuhair Murad wine coloured dress. With lace and velvet inserts, she turned heads with a deep plunging neckline and high slit. Love the hair and the long pony. Halle proves that she still has it!

Timothée Chalamet looked like a dashing Bond villain in this head-to-toe Louis Vuitton outfit. Timothée took a risk wearing this beaded and sequinned harness but he can pull it off because of his youth. He finished the look with Cartier rings, cufflinks and bracelets.

Saoirse Ronan looked angelic in custom Gucci. The dress was a pure work of art. The gown was made of antique platinum beaded sheer tule with exquisite crystal embroidery. Her slicked back hair was very on trend and I loved the statement Chopard jewelry.

Constance Wu turned heads in this custom Vera Wang gown. While it was certainly a risk, this nude A-line tule gown with sheer corset and deep orange velvet bow came together for one of the most memorable looks of the evening. I love the fact that Constance wanted to work with an Asian-American designer for her look.

Boring

Charlize Theron played it safe in this black and white Dior gown. While she looks stunning, I doubt that anyone will remember this dress next week. The bow detail is tasteful and it fits her perfectly. The major draw to this look is her hair, makeup, and all the Bvlgari jewels.

Julianne Moore fails to deliver in this custom Givenchy Haute Couture gown. Julianne is always one of my red carpet favourites but this just underwhelmed. I disliked the large bow on the back. And in all honesty, I’m just glad that Meghan Markle didn’t walk down the aisle in this one. Julianne, go back to Tom Ford.

Claire Foy fizzled in this yellow Miu Miu dress. The dress was poorly fit and it wrinkled along the body. The yellow colour made Claire look jaundice in photos. Even the starbursts on the fabric weren’t enough to save this look.

Amy Adams wore this boring custom Calvin Klein dress. I am not calling it a gown because its so underwhelming. The blue-teal colour was pleasant on Amy but as a double nominee, I really expected much more. The only interesting thing to this look was the earrings and jewelry.

Julia Roberts has me torn in custom Stella McCartney. I love the outfit but I dislike the colour of the top. The colour just is too close to her natural skin tone. However, I like the design. Her hair and makeup are incredible. She has never looked better. The Chopard jewelry is beautiful but not enough to save this look.

Worst

Darren Criss failed to impress in this Christian Dior floral tuxedo. While I usually love a bold tux jacket, this didn’t cut it. It looked oversized and the wide lapel covered the majority of Darren’s chest. I would have styled it differently with a more relaxed feel without the bowtie. Sorry Darren…

Kate Mara looked like one of the disgruntled fembots from Austin Powers in this Miu Miu babydoll dress. The tribal ponytail looks out of place. I’m done.

Emma Stone failed hard in Louis Vuitton. She looked like a nude fish. Fire your stylist, keep your makeup and hair team, and redeem yourself at the Oscars.

Elisabeth Moss was misguided in this short Dior dress. I loved your black dress from last year so much more. Love you but this dress needs to go back on the discount prom rack.

I loved Anne Hathaway’s shoes. The rest of it gives me nightmares. What the heck was she thinking with this Elie Saab dress? I miss the days of Anne stunning me in high fashion. I just can’t.

Debra Messing looked silly in this Pamela Roland crystal and feathered cape dress. I love Debra and her her hair and makeup were beautiful but this dress belongs on the back of a retired showgirl. I’m disappointed.

Janelle Monae always brings style to her red carpet looks. This one however fell flat to me. As much as I love Chanel, this Egyptian inspired look did not work. There is too much going on with the heavy tweed overlay, the dramatic collar, the belt, the embellishments on the hems and finally the hat. Janelle I think got trapped between couture and costume.

Photos courtesy of Getty & Shutterstock & AAP

Meghan Markle & Prince Harry Wedding Fashion Critique

May 20, 2018

When nearly 3 billion people tune their televisions to watch a wedding, all eyes are going to be on the dress. And in the case of Prince Harry marring Meghan Markle, there were two dresses and hundreds of the world’s most fashionable guests. Meghan, who has designed her own line of clothes through Canadian retailer Reitmans, knows fashion and style. It seemed fitting to do a quick article on the fashion of the Royal Wedding that took place on May 19, 2018.

It’s only fitting to begin with the bride. Meghan radiated in this elegant Givenchy gown designed by Claire Waight Keller. I knew it would be important for Meghan to chose a British designer - and Claire Waight Keller is originally from Birmingham. However, Keller is the artistic director of Givenchy, an iconic French fashion house. Considering that Hubert de Givenchy passed away earlier this year, having Meghan wear a dress with his label seems like quite a tribute. However, the choice was still a risk.

Let's discuss the dress and all the facts. Meghan chose a simple 1950’s silhouette with an open bateau neckline. The dress was constructed out of double ply silk which perfectly outlined her frame. Details such as a 5-foot long train and 3/4 length sleeves gave the dress a more regal feel. Many people felt that the dress itself was underwhelming; lacking any beading, sequins, sparkle, lace, embroidery, volume, etc. I agree the dress was basic but structurally lovely. Considering the couple wanted a more simplified wedding, the dress seemed appropriate.

The showstopper of the outfit was actually the 16.5-foot long silk tail veil. The veil was adorned with 53 flowers that represented each country of the commonwealth - which was something that Queen Elizabeth did when she got married in 1947. To personalize the veil, Meghan included two additional flowers: Wintersweet (which grows outside her new home, Nottingham Cottage) and the California Poppy (to symbolize her home state).

And when you’re a (newly minted) royal, the accessories are important. The Queen loaned Meghan the Queen Mary diamond bandeau tiara. The tiara was made to house the center brooch that dates back to 1893. This specific tiara hasn’t been worn for over 50 years so we may not see it on display again in our lifetimes. Similarly to Kate Middleton, Meghan opted out of wearing a statement necklace. She did complete her Windsor-worthy look with diamond earrings and a bespoke bracelet from Cartier. Excluding the priceless tiara, Meghan’s jewelry neared a cool million dollars. Finally, today Meghan became the Duchess of Sussex. So it’s fitting that her wedding shoes, also by Givenchy, were made of pure white silk duchess satin.

Did I mention that there was a second dress for the wedding? Meghan changed into a more relaxed Stella McCartney halter dress. Draped in silk crepe, this more revealing dress allowed the Duchess to move and dance late into the night. The simple dress was complete with satin Aquazurra heels with painted blue soles and diamond drop earrings. Personally, I think if you’re going to do two dresses they should be dramatically different (i.e. #1 ballgown, #2 knee-length dress). So while this Stella McCartney dress is lovely, it didn’t add much to the fashion of the event.

Dressing for royal events can be tricky. When my friend Amy and I attended the Queen’s 90th birthday party at Windsor Castle, the dress code was very clearly outlined and adhered to. When Prince William married Kate Middleton, the Queen published a 22-page pamphlet to direct guests on acceptable dress and protocol. Some of the Queen’s fashion requests include no white dresses, no open-toed shoes, lady’s shoulders should be covered, high heels preferred (but not too high), conservative hemlines, no bare legs, hats are encouraged but not mandatory (fabric hats before easter, straw hats after), etc. As for the wedding's guests, a few stood out from the crowd - so let's examine why they caught my eye.

Amal Clooney in Stella McCartney

A few weeks ago, Amal had a big mis-step with her Met Gala outfit. However, she looked stunning in this marigold Stella McCartney sheath dress and matching hat. The cut of the dress is appropriate and from the smile on her face, Amal feels beautiful in it. And isn’t that what fashion is about?

Oprah Winfrey in Stella McCartney

Oprah had arranged a beige dress to be delivered to her in London for the wedding, but upon seeing it, she knew it would photograph as white. Being the classy dame she is, she called in the help of Stella McCartney (the night before the wedding) and her team worked around the clock to make this lovely blush dress for her. The fabulous straw hat finishes off her look. She was carrying a Gabriela Hearst bag. I think the beige disaster was a blessing in disguise.

Kitty Spencer in Dolce & Gabbana

I think Kitty was the best dressed at the wedding in this intricate emerald floral dress with orange heels and clutch. I loved the design on the dress and she certainly stood out in a crowd of monotone outfits. Looking like a young Lady Dianna, the model wore a matching fascinator by Philip Treacy.

Kate Middleton in Alexander McQueen

Kate looked lovely in her Alexander McQueen coat. She also looked lovely in it in 2015 at Princess Charlotte’s christening, in 2016 at the Trooping the Colour and last summer in Belgium. Props to Kate for knowing what works for her but I don’t think this was the right event to recycle an outfit. Not when over 2 billion people are watching. The shoes are Jimmy Choo. Kate - call me and we’ll go shopping when I’m back in London in September.

Sabrina Dhwore in Gucci

Our former Miss Vancouver and fiancé of Idris Elba let me down in this cardigan dress. She looks lovely but a cardigan dress is not appropriate for this occasion. And while I can’t get enough Gucci, I think wearing something so ‘branded’ is tacky. I’m surprised she left the massive gold monogrammed GG belt at home.

Doria Ragland in Oscar de la Renta

I didn’t know what to expect from the yoga teacher but she certainly impressed me. I had heard people say that she should have hidden her dreads and taken out her nose ring, but why? Isn’t fashion about personal expression? This pistachio colored dress with white floral decoration was perfect for the occasion. The cocktail hat was made by Stephen Jones and shoes were by Aquazzura. Her elegant diamond jewelry was from Canadian retailer Birks.

Camilla Parker Bowles in Anne Valentine

Often I find Camilla’s looks are very date but not today. In this Anne Valentine asymmetrical pink silk coat dress, Camilla looks perfect for her role as step-mom. But it was her accessories that delighted me so much. The over-the-top pink feathered hat by Philip Treacy was the ultimate statement piece. And look at the massive pearl choker - wow.

David Beckham in Dior Homme & Victoria Beckham in Victoria Beckham

Ok - Victoria looks her serious self but David looks super excited to be there. I really like the cut of Victoria’s dress but would have loved to see her in something softer for spring. I am glad she went with the pop of color in the heels. David is in Dior Homme - and this is the first suit ever from Dior Homme by designer Kim Jones (formerly of Louis Vuitton). Jone’s runway debut for Dior isn’t scheduled until next month but he casually said that there was no better runway than the royal wedding. David was the best-dressed gent there.

2018 Met Gala Fashion Critique

May 8, 2018

Met Gala 2018

I always think of the annual Met Gala as a fantastical no-limits costume party that celebrates bold fashion. It is the one night of the year that society is expected to embrace avant-garde fashion and make a statement. This year the theme was “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination” - which coincides with the Costume Institute’s latest exhibition. The Vatican even gave their seal of approval on the theme this year - which could have showcased anything from Medieval robes to stigmata-stained gowns to angelic creations. Jean Paul Gauthier has been inspired by graphic religious images for decades. Givenchy & Dior have reinvented nun-like garbs for both men and women. Galliano had a Cardinal, Nun, and priest in his 2000 show. Versace drew inspiration from Byzantine churches and has had crosses prominent in almost every collection. The theme is extremely broad and should be easy to embrace. So I beg your forgiveness as I go on a few rants at some celebs who completely missed the point of the evening. Luckily, the true fashionistas shined bright and slayed the red carpet.

Up to Heaven:

Katy Perry in Versace

I love that Katy Perry takes risks and this event is right up her alley. She took ‘angelic’ to a new level. I look at this outfit and it just makes me smile - she radiates from top to bottom. Although her look might be a bit literal, I don’t care. I love it. Her blond pixie cut adds to the gilded look. Perfection.

Rihanna in Maison Margiela Artisanal

If you’re co-hosting a themed event, you need to hit the mark. And Rihanna certainly set the tone for the evening. Move over Pope Francis - Pope RiRi is here to lead mass (and the masses). Awesome look.

Cardi B in Moschino

Cardi B is a relative newcomer to the fashion scene and she is known for going “big” and tonight she fit in perfectly. The dramatic beading and jeweling of her dress matched with the headpiece was spot on. I also love the matching gloves. Well done.

Solange Knowles in Iris van Herpen

Oh this look was so interesting. I love the make-up and halo headpiece (although the halo might have been more fitting for her Halo-singer sister). The dress is crazy and makes me think of Ursula the Sea-Witch from the Little Mermaid. And everyone is talking about the netted bottle of ‘Florida Water’ that she was carrying - it’s technically a perfume but it's been used in voodoo and Wiccan religious ceremonies for centuries. So it was fitting for the evening. Overall, I think this was a highly polished look that had a lot of thought behind it. A+

Jennifer Lopez in Balmain

Jenny from the Block almost hit the chopping block. This dress is beautiful but too simple. No thought or concept when into this. “Oh look, a pretty dress with a cross on it! I’ll take it!” So she almost hit the purgatory pile but she just looks so damn good in it, she had to make the heavenly list.

Zendaya in Versace

I just can’t get enough of her and this look makes me love her more and more and more. Zendaya is channeling her inner Joan of Arc in this chainmail dress and short hair cut. Whoever thought of this approach is genius and she looks fierce.

Ariana Grande in Vera Wang

It doesn’t get much more heavenly than Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Another creative way to bring fashion and religion together in a tasteful way. I’m very pleasantly surprised by Ariana, Vera Wang, and the whole look.

Purgatory:

Kim Kardashian in Versace

I’m not a Kim fan however, she looks beautiful in this golden Versace dress. This is what she should wear to a movie premiere or fundraiser, not the Met Gala. Yes…there is an almost invisible cross on it. Not enough. Sorry Kim.

Madonna in Jean Paul Gauthier

I adore Madonna but we’ve seen this look on her too much before. She should have surprised us with something we haven’t seen from her - like if she had come in a floral patterned mini habit. That would have surprised me and been fitting. But the whole gothic queen thing - I’m certain she just pulled this out from her closet. And the thick skirt seems to swallow her tiny frame. But at least the thought was there and I do like the nude cross on the chest.

Selena Gomez in Coach

Selena looks so lovely. The dress (or nighty) is beautiful. And I see the ethereal goddess look she was going for, but she just fell a bit short. Maybe she needed a halo or gladiator sandals or something…it just felt incomplete.

Gigi Hadid in Versace

I think this is the best that Gigi has ever looked. This may also be my favourite dress of the night. But again…why to this event? Wouldn’t this make an incredible Oscars dress if she was presenting/attending? I love the construction of it as well as the pattern to it. It has a soft Asian feel to it which confuses me further with the theme.

Sarah Jessica Parker & Andy Cohen in Dolce & Gabbana

Both of them are usually very sharp dressers but this just seems overdone. The dress seems to swallow SJP and the headpiece doesn’t do her any favours. Andy isn’t a big guy and the oversized sleeves makes him look like he still shops at Gap Kids.

Straight to the Fiery Depths:

Amal Clooney in Richard Quinn

Amal was also a co-host who clearly should have used Rihanna’s stylist. What is with pant/dress/wannabe? I don’t know any event that this would impress me. And are the roses suppose to tie into the Catholic imagery? Mmm…the only thing more disappointing is that her husband was the most boring dressed person there. Boo George. Booooooooo.

Frances McDormand in Valentino

I love Frances. I love Valentino. I love the imagination. I don’t know what the heck it’s doing at a Catholic themed event. Are the birds meant to be heavenly bodies? Frances failed.

Kylie Jenner in Alexander Wang

It’s like she went and pulled something trampy out of her sister closet and thought it would work. I also hate the glasses and the massive zipper detail. ALL WRONG.

Nicki Minaj in Oscar de la Renta

This seems like an odd pairing since de la Renta is usually such a classic look and Nicki usually goes very modern. However, the dress is lovely and I really do like the tulle train/shrug. But as a cohesive look: no. As a successful look for this event: no.

Jaden Smith in Louis Vuitton

Ugh. The first thing I notice is that he brought his certified gold album with him. How douchey can you get? The outfit is a mess (even if he was going to pick up milk at 7-11) so I’m not surprised he looks out of place.

2018 ACADEMY AWARDS FASHION CRITIQUE

March 4, 2018

What an incredible year for film and tonight's award show certainly recognized the best of Hollywood. However, who won the red carpet at the 90th Academy Awards?

THE BEST

Allison Williams—The moment I saw Allison step onto the red carpet, I was all smiles. She looked precious in her jeweled soft rose Armani Privé gown. Her hair and makeup were perfection. Her jewelry was elegant and a nice addition to the sparkling effect of her gown. Gorgeous.

Allison Janney—Allison stunned in her plunging red Reem Acra gown. The dress had elongated cape-sleeves and diamond details around the neckline. Her hair was simply pulled back and her makeup showcased her natural beauty. But honestly, who could see past the bling? Allison was wearing more than $4 million worth of diamonds on her neck and wrist.

Rita Moreno—Rita proved that good style never goes out of fashion. This past winner wore the same dress when she accepted her award in 1962. 56 years later, the dress fits and still turned heads. The dress was custom-made in the Philippines out of obi; the traditional sash material used in Japanese kimonos. At 86 years young, I hope we see more of Rita on the red carpet.

Rita Morena in the same dress in 2018 and 1962

Jane Fonda—While she avoided talking to anyone on the red carpet, her dress made enough of a statement. This striking custom Balmain white gown was stunning on the 80 years old actress. It was dramatic and beautifully structured. She accessorized with Chopard jewelry, a Perrin bag and Ferragamo shoes. Now if only she wasn't scowling.

Eiza Gonzalez—This Mexican actress lit up the red carpet in her yellow Ralph Lauren gown with Chopard jewelry. This dress hugged every curve of her body and yet all you could focus on was her smile. This was the perfect dress for her and she had better send her stylist a fruit basket in the morning.

Mary J. Blige—Stunning!!! I love seeing old Hollywood glam on the red carpet but I was not expecting it from Mary J! She wow-ed in this asymmetrical pearl-embellished Versace gown. Her hair was beautiful and her skin was glowing. She looked like a goddess on the red carpet. Diamond teardrop earrings finished off the look.

Margot Robbie—Margot looked pretty but played it safe in this simple Chanel Haute Couture gown. Even though the dress took over 600 hours to create, it was not a look that we'll remember years to come. However, a mediochre day for Margot is still pretty incredible and she remains on our best list.

Zendaya—I loved this look because she stood out from all the other dresses on the carpet. Donning a chocolate chiffon Giambattista Valli Haute Couture gown, Zendaya looked ethereal as she presented onstage. One of her best looks yet.

Zendaya in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture

Timothée Chalamet—Timothée is one to watch in the future. He doesn't work with a stylist and yet he loves taking fashion risks. Earlier this week he wore a green Gucci suit to an Oscar luncheon that was mind-blowing. However, he classed it up in this off-white Berluti tuxedo with white detailing and black boots. Loved it.

Gal Gadot—WONDERful. This looks is pure fashion. Gal is mesmerizing in this Givenchy flapper dress. I'm certain it weighs a tonne from the beading but she has the perfect frame to pull it off effortlessly. Keeping with the style of the dress, Gal wore an Art-Deco-inspired necklace from Tiffany & Co. with 17 aquamarines and over 1000 diamonds. WOW.

Sandra Bullock—Sandra looked sleek in her gold and black Louis Vuitton sequined gown. Her straightened hair also added to the look. Her makeup was beautiful, and at the risk of sounding bitchy, she could have used an extra few minutes on her brows.

Nicole Kidman—I really wanted to hate this Armani Privé dress because of the oversized bow. But then I really liked the dramatic sweetheart neckline. And the color was awesome on her and made her eyes pop. And then I saw how great she moved in it and how it fit her. And then I just kinda really liked it. Damn you bow! Jewelry by Harry Winston.

Greta Gerwig—Best known tonight as the director of Lady Bird, Greta looked flawless in a deep yellow Rodarte gown. Her jewelry was ornate and interesting. The glamorous makeup and deep red lip accented the vintage wavy hair.

NOT QUITE THERE...

Emily Blunt—This dress was a snooze-fest. Emily from The Devil Wears Prada would have mocked this Schiaparelli Haute Couture gown. I'm surprised Meryl Streep didn't see her and throw a coat over her head. Can't go wrong with Chopard jewelry though.

Emily Blunt in Schiaparelli Haute Couture

Jennifer Garner—I assume that Jennifer is currently rehearsing a role as a Texican pageant queen because that is the only excuse for hair that big. The 'do' (or do-NOT) needed to be tamed and distracted from her face. The Atelier Verssace dress fit her perfectly and the shade of blue was electric on the carpet. #bighairdontcare

Saoirse Ronan—I love Saoirse and was really hoping she would have a special moment on the red carpet. Her hair and makeup was young and fresh. She looked fine and forgettable in this Calvin Klein by Appointment dress. The baby pink dress didn't seem unique enough for someone as interesting as Ronan.

Saoirse Ronan in Calvin Klein by Appointment

Sally Hawkins—As one of the big contenders tonight, this Armani Privé dress fell flat. Which is hard to do considering how sparkly it was. The fit was slightly off and the shoulder pads seemed too accentuated. Sally has an incredible frame and she enjoys eclectic fashion, and this just seemed blah for her.

Jennifer Lawrence—Oh JLaw! You've been too busy pushing Red Sparrow to think about the biggest night of the year. The Dior dress fit her well, but it stopped there. The color of the dress made her look pale. The bleach blond hair didn't help this fact any. JLaw knows how to wow on the red carpet and this just left me wanting more. A lot more.

THE WORST

Salma Hayek Pinault—Gorgeous woman. Amazing design house. Terrible pink dress on the red carpet. There is too much going on this frosting colored Gucci gown. Sequins. Ruffles. Jewels. Military-inspired neck and shoulder embellishment. Her hair was a mess. Go home and shower and throw the dress in the fireplace.

Whoopi Goldberg - Oh dear, I love Whoopi but Cristian Siriano failed her. The belted dress was oversized and swallowed Whoopi. While he designed it with comfort in mind, a more subdued print would have worked better for Whoopi. However, Whoopi was happy because she was able to wear her combat boots under the dress. At least there is that?

Emma Stone—What the hell Emma Stone? You're one of the best-dressed women EVER. And you show up to the Oscars in a Louis Vuitton silk lounge suit? I understand toning it down as a presenter, but c'mon. Are you going to come in Addidas next year? I like nothing about this for this event.

Andra Day—So I have to say, there is a photo of Andra laying down on the red carpet, and the dress actually looked lovely. However, gravity is not this dress's friend. Mmm...do you think it was a bedspread or curtains?

Diane Warren—I know, I know! You're a musician and songwriter. A free-spirit. But you're also wearing Saint Laurent and I'm sure that they are embarrassed that you wore THIS to the Oscars. I'm sure they would have been able to put you in a badass tux for the occasion.

Adam Rippon— 1) I like Adam Rippon. 2) I don't know why on earth he is at the Academy Awards. 3) I don't know how much Moschino paid him to wear this. 4) A harness is not a vest. 5) Wanna make a bet he isn't invited back ever again?

2018 Grammy Awards Fashion Critique

January 28, 2018

The 60th Annual Grammy Awards tonight in New York gave us a lot to discuss. Following the Golden Globe's fashion black-out, color was certainly in full force tonight. Let's take a look at who rocked and who should have rolled up and went back home.

Best

Ashanti - I thought Ashanti looked like a stunning golden statue in this Yas Couture dress. Designed by Elie Madi and paired with Giuseppe Zanotti sandals, this outfit showcased Ashanti perfectly. Her hair and makeup were perfection. Now a lot of haters were tweeting about how the flashes from the photographers made the dress sheer, but if you got it, flaunt it. Best dressed female of the night.

Ne-Yo - Men's fashion often gets overlooked, however, the gentlemen certainly worked the red carpet this year. Ne-Yo's mustard yellow velvet smoking jacket demanded respect. He completed the look with a crisp white tuxedo shirt and a flat-brimmed hat. And of course, I love his suede Louboutins. His look was styled by Greyscale Goods - be sure to check them out. Best dressed man of the night.

Ne-Yo in GreyScale Goods and Christian Louboutins

Lady Gaga - Gaga stunned in a nude lace and sequined body suit with ballgown bottom. The skirt had a high front slit and a 10 foot train. This imaginative Armani Privé look could have been the best look of the night if it wasn't ruined by her boots. Her hair and makeup matched the drama of her dress perfectly.

Cyndi Lauper - Cyndi looked brilliant in this cherub-print Moschino suit. The fit was bang-on. It was glamorous and cool enough to work on the red carpet. And I even loved how Cyndi streaked her hair to match. Loved it.

Zayn Malik - Zayn proved he was the main attraction in this Richard James rose-colored suit. The suit was tailored perfectly. The simple white dress shirt was fine but I would have paired it with a white v-neck shirt. He finished the look with camo-patterned socks and black loafers.

Anna Kendrick - In a sea of gowns, Anna stole focus in her checkered Balmain suit. The double-breasted jacket with oversized gold buttons was a clear throwback to the 80s. Paired with a sexy lace bodice from La Perla and powder pink pumps, this look could have easily failed and looked laughable. However, Anna made this look her own. Well done.

Cardi B - Tonight was a huge night for Cardi B's career and she made the most of her moment on the red carpet. She looked angelic in this gown from Ashi Studios. The gauzy dress looked whimsical and light with a short front and long train. The jewelry and bling added to the look instead of distracting. And what better way to walk down the carpet than in Louboutins? Beyond all that, her makeup was fresh and she looked happy.

Rita Ora - Rita brought Hollywood glam to the streets of NYC in this Ralph & Russo Couture gown. While the dress's structure lent a futuristic feel, the black velvet trimmed in diamonds certainly made Rita look like a silent film star. Her gorgeous hair and dark red lip completed the look brilliantly.

Miley Cyrus - Miley doesn't always make it onto the upper half of this list but she looked elegant in this Jean Paul Gauthier velvet jumpsuit and matching capelet. It had just enough detail to be interesting while letting her hair and makeup steal the show. She looked pretty, happy and sweet. Conservative but badass.

Worst

Lana Del Rey - While LDR rarely impresses me with her fashion, I appreciate that she is now working with high-end fashion houses. However, even Gucci couldn't save her this time. This dress is ill-fitting and the color is too close to her skin tone. It totally washed her out - and there is no excuse for this since it was custom-made for her. I did enjoy the celestial headpiece though. Sorry Lana.

Kelly Clarkson - I love Kelly and always hope she looks like the superstar she is. But lately, she has made some bad choices. First the dress fit her well. But the style of the dress would be better suited for someone twice her age. Kelly is nominated for Best Pop Song and not the Lifetime Achievement Award. It looked like it has a shawl wrapped around her. While Kelly is loyal to Christian Siriano, she might need to shake things up because this dress did her no favors. Her hair was messy and the new color washed her out. The makeup was too soft and gave her no definition. Kelly, call me and I'll hook you up with a few outfits.

Hailee Steinfeld - So close but not quite enough. Hailee wore a white strapless column dress and holographic purple boots - both by Alexandre Vauthier. The dress was boring but ok. The knee-high boots were laughable. And then to mix us up more, she wore a green/blue eyeshadow. Disappointing as Hailee usually makes us remember her for the right reasons on the red carpet.

Nick Jonas - Sometimes when you're hot, you can wear anything and look good. However, it doesn't mean that anything is appropriate. Nick Jonas was clad in a John Varvatos tweed overcoat and t-shirt. Nick has great style but this was just calling-it-in. Lazy.

Pink - Sometimes bad dresses happen to good people. This look from Armani Privé failed to hit the high notes. It made Pink look like a muppet. Purple, pink and blue feathers - oh my. The belt failed to accentuate her tiny waist because it was swallowed up by plumage. The ruffled top looked poorly constructed. And then she only appeared to be wearing one large black hoop earring??? On the positive side, her hair and makeup looked beautiful.

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Heidi Klum - Oops She Did It Again. Heidi came to yet another red carpet in just her bra and panties. But I have to give her the benefit of the doubt. It was held in NYC and it looks like she is still wearing a crinoline, so perhaps someone stole her dress, and this is what is left. If that wasn't bad enough, the earrings were monstrous. At the time of publishing, no designer was willing to take credit for this outfit. Worst look of the night.

Janelle Monae - I love Janelle and I love that she takes risks with fashion. I even loved this Dolce & Gabanna outfit...from the waist up. Janelle has a beautiful figure but the wide-legged trousers completely consume her bottom half. Even with all the embroidery and the ruffled shirt and the bling, I couldn't see past the excess fabric where her shoes should have been. Had the trousers been tapered in and cropped above the ankle, this would have been a WOW outfit. As always, her hair and makeup are among the best.

2018 Golden Globe Awards Fashion Critique

January 8, 2018

The 2018 Golden Globes kicks off this year's award season. However, Hollywood has been a hotbed of turmoil over the last 6 months and this certainly spilled over into the fashion world. The red carpet was a virtual black-out. Most females chose to wear black to show their support and solidarity for gender equality and the Times Up Now campaign (www.timesupnow.com). Men wore their Times Up pins on their lapels. #whywewearblack trended on Twitter long before the event even began. While black became the color of the night, not everyone pulled it off. Let's take a look at who succeeded and failed.

THE BEST

Emma Stone. I’m always excited to see what Emma will wear on the red carpet. Tonight did not disappoint. She looked glamorous in her Louis Vuitton lace asymmetrical gown that was encrusted in black pearls, sequins, and crystals. Her makeup was also inspired by women involved in the suffragette movement.

Nicole Kidman. Nicole is a red carpet veteran and rarely fails. Her Givenchy gown was stunning from all angles. The sparkling bodice and flutter sleeves were enough to make Kidman stand out in a sea of black. And luckily she won for Best Actress, so we see how the dress moved as she climbed the stage. She finished her look with Fred Leighton jewels. Hair and makeup were flawless.

Claire Foy. Claire lit up Twitter as fans could not get enough of her perfectly tailored Stella McCartney double-breasted suit. The jacket cut a striking figure while her trousers flared out to cover her shoes. And if you look closely, you can see that she wore a badge on each sleeve: one saying "50:50" and the other "Actresses Equal Representation." Her swept back hair and bright red lip were ideal for the outfit. Now that her role on The Crown is complete, Claire is ensuring we remember her.

Dave Franco. Not a usual suspect for our list, but Dave's Saint Laurent tuxedo with crystal lapel was a bold choice. And I loved it. While he is often in brother Jame's shadow, Dave decided to step out and show he is a leading man.

Mary J. Blige. Mary J. Blige showed that she is equally glamorous and badass on the red carpet. This custom Alberta Ferretti black velvet gown was complete with a crystal net sleeve. The perfect fit and the high side slit made us take notice. Hair and make-up couldn't have been any better.

Jessica Biel. While I'm not always her biggest fan, Jessica nailed it on the red carpet in this couture Dior tulle and velvet gown. The strapless sweetheart neckline and nude undertones differentiated her dress from the rest on the carpet. Jessica was able to make her look softer while still pulling off black. The Bulgari jewelry was a great touch as well.

Kate Hudson. Valentino has never looked better. Kate wowed in this daring low cut gown and sheer features. The only thing more amazing than how incredible she looks is the Harry Winston diamond necklace that is very strategically placed. Her pixie cut and black headband are a great way to add a bit of whimsy to this sexy look. Buried beneath the dress are some fab Guiseppe Zanotti heels. Kate seriously gets better each year.

Chris Helmsworth. Chris is better known for being shirtless, however, tonight he embraced fashion in this paisley Etro suit. Keeping it casual with an open collar and velvet lace-up Christian Louboutins. Chris deserves to be on the Best Dressed list.

Helen Mirren. She constantly proves that beauty has no age. At 72, Helen Mirren still turns heads. While I couldn't find the designer of her sexy black lace dress, I can tell you she is wearing a small fortune in diamonds by Harry Winston. Bravo.

Mandy Moore. Mandy looked wonderful in this simple yet dramatic red and black dress by Rosie Assoulin. This taffeta black halter gown with red belt and pockets looked effortless and striking. This was the perfect choice for Mandy's comeback to the red carpet.

Allison Williams. Some critics dissed Allison for her choice in dress, but I thought she looked young and fresh in this Armani Prive dress. The black beaded tassel dress gets a pop of color with orange and grey semi-circles. It fit her like a glove and I thought she looked lovely.

THE WORST

Mariah Carey. Mimi's Dolce and Gabbana mermaid gown was too tight, too sheer, and too young. Mariah is a few years away from 50 and this dress would have looked much better on someone half her age. And if the cross strap and excessive cleavage weren't enough, lets frost the entire look with as many diamonds as possible. Mariah, you're gorgeous. But you don't need to try so hard.

Sarah Jessica Parker. Where do I begin? There is just too much going on. On a good note, her hair and makeup look beautiful. From the shoulders down, everything is a mess with the Dolce & Gabanna (Strike #2 Gentlemen!). The netted arms, the sheer corset top, the ruffle sleeve, the lace skirt, the silk overlay and that huge diamond brooch. Her SJP shoes certainly didn't save the outfit. And look at her expression...it's almost like she got a look at herself in a mirror just moments before. Carrie Bradshaw would not approve.

Kendall Jenner. This Giambattista Valli dress is not the right dress for anyone to the Golden Globes. The Globes are the casual version of the Oscars, yet she wore a dress that would be more appropriate for the Met Gala. The train was ridiculously long. The ruffles were over-the-top. The cut would be more appropriate if she were trying to hide a baby bump. Her messy hair is in huge contrast to the style of the dress. However, I love the shoes and her makeup.

Kelly Clarkson. Oh Kelly. I know exactly what happened. You had just watched I, Tonya and insist on wearing your figure skating costume. But your stylist insisted you needed a dress so you threw on a ball gown skirt to complete the outfit. Am I right??? Or did Christian Siriano fail you? Big time. Sorry Kelly.

Catherine Zeta-Jones. Sometimes less is more but in this case, Catherine could have used MORE fabric. I'm not really certain why Catherine thought wearing matronly lingerie would make a great outfit for the Golden Globes red carpet. The designer is unknown but I'm guessing Fredericks of Hollywood. Clearly she knew the outfit wasn't enough. So she frosted her look with $2.6 million of jewelry including 30 carats of emeralds. I do approve of the jewels. Now go change.

Catherine Zeta-Jones in lots of emeralds

Halle Berry. She really is stunningly gorgeous. Can you believe she is 51 years old? Well she doesn't look it and she certainly doesn't dress it. Now this sheer Zuhair Murad minidress and Jimmy Choo sandals are gorgeous - but not appropriate for her or for the Golden Globes. When I look at the outfit, I can't help but think how incredible Selena Gomez would look in the same styling...but in a fab NYC restaurant with her squad and not on a red carpet. On a high note, your hair and make up look effortlessly beautiful.

2017 Met Gala Fashion Critique

May 2, 2017

Few mega-stars dare to compete with the Comme des Garçons aesthetic at the Met Gala

By Charlotte Tanager

On the first Monday in May all fine followers of fashion wait with bated breath to see what the glitterati will don for the Met Gala. This year’s theme, “Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between,” seemed to promise a carnival of avant-garde delights. Sadly few attendees were willing to step into Kawakubo’s world, let alone her clothes, and play with innovative fashion.

Kawakubo is known for redefining the human figure. Her pieces require the wearer and the viewer to alter their conception of what fashion can be. They impinge into the viewer’s personal space and will not go unnoticed. I expected volume, bright primary colours, non-traditional shapes, overt construction, deconstruction and bizarre reimaginings of the human form to march up the red-carpeted Met steps.

The brave who really brought it were few and far apart—and they were exactly who we thought they would be. Many of the top models and some of society’s elite came wearing Comme des Garçons, so they were ready-made for the event. Rhianna looking like a bird of paradise displaying its plumage wore Comme des Garçons.

Other attendees chose to stay on theme with other designers. Kate Perry, a co-chair for the event, donned Maison Margiela and looked like an avenging, jilted, warrior bride. Gigi Hadid wore a stunning Tommy Hilfiger military/ballerina, half-coat, half dress ensemble whose construction left me giddily befuddled. Priyanka Chopra also thrilled the crowd wearing a Ralph Lauren trench-coat dress with an astounding train—sporting a length you’d only see at a royal wedding.

Others did a good job of incorporating Kawakubo’s influences into more common red-carpet looks. Reese Witherspoon wore a blue and black Mugler gown with one sleeve supporting shoulder proportions that would make Joan Crawford proud. Julianne Moore also pleased the red-carpet gawkers in her fluffy and feathery Calvin Klein confection that made her look like a beautiful chick/human hybrid. Rita Ora also paid tribute to the night’s honouree in a red and blush Marchesa dress composed of silky bands wrapped around her body.

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Many of the guests decided to wear overtly sexy or hyper-feminized dresses—the opposite of Kawakubo’s ethos—rather than have fun and try to incorporate some of the designers ideas in their dress. That’s not to say some didn’t make a token effort with sleek, slicked back ponytails, minimalist scraped-back ballerina buns, imitations of Kawakubo’s minimalist bob or swaths of netting over their heads, but that isn’t really the point of the Met Gala—is it?

Gisele Bündchen looked beautiful in her glistening, figure-hugging, silver Stella McCartney but she was also a host of the event, and it seemed almost rude that she cared more about how her body was showcased than honouring Kawakubo—who was reported to be in attendance.

There were many lovely looks at the Met Gala, but overall it seemed that many of the attendees were there to be seen looking pretty in pretty dresses rather than because they truly love and want to experience fashion when it’s challenging and unconventional.

2017 Academy Awards Fashion Critique

February 27, 2017

2017 Academy Awards Fashion Critique

Another year and another interesting red carpet turn out. The awards have all been given out but lets see who the real winners were!

The Best

Jessica Biel shone in custom Kaufman Franco. The gilded gown highlighted Jessica’s killer body and showcased her beautiful face. The jewelled neckpiece gave enough drama that there was no need for statement jewelry. The clutch worked. The slicked back hair and light make up showcased how stunning Jessica is. She looked statuesque.

Emma Stone was radiant in this gold Givenchy dress. It fit her beautifully and showed off her frame. The patterns work nicely together towards the tassled flapper-dress-eque bottom. Her hair and makeup are old Hollywood glamour. The only jewelry she wore were earrings and rings and in dress like this, it didn’t need anything else. Perfection.

Bombshell Alert. Taraji P. Henson looked incredible in this blue velvet Alberta Feretti gown. It fit her perfectly. The color was a nice change from the other black dresses we saw. Her smouldering makeup and tangled locks hit all the right notes. Even that necklace was perfect for that neckline.

Leslie Mann turned heads in this mustard taffeta Zac Posen gown. This dress won’t please everyone but it was a bold choice and I loved it. Usually this would be a difficult colour on a blond, but it works on Leslie. The bodice accentuated her figure and the skirt was whimsical and full. Her hair and makeup are the best I’ve ever seen on her. You can see how pretty she feels in this dress.

The Boring

Scarlett Johansson fizzled in this pink Azzedine Alia gown. The dress itself was alright but not Oscar worthy. The dress was soft and delicate and should not have been paired with clunky and heavy accessories. Why was there a belt? Her hair and makeup look flawless but from the shoulders down it was disappointing.

Kirsten Dunst failed to score any points in this Dior Gown. While the dress had vintage qualities, it swallowed Kirsten’s lean frame. The hair, makeup and jewelry did not match the style of the dress. Time for a new stylist.

Michelle Williams didn’t sparkle this year. Her Louis Vuitton dress was pretty enough, but it didn’t fit her as it should on the skirt. Her makeup and blond hair wash out all her colouring. Yawn.

Ruth Negga wore this complicated Valentino dress on the red carpet. To start, the colour photographed terribly against the red carpet. The actress, only 35 years old, looked matronly with the sheer and lace details. The lace mock-neck and poofy sleeve need to return to grandma’s closet. Her hair, makeup and jewelry looked beautiful.

The Bad

Dakota Johnson looked foolish in this gold Gucci dress. It was too 'Dynasty' for the star of 50 Shades of Grey. She needed to loose the jewelry considering all that is going on with the dress. And that sad limp bow? It looks like an apron. The back half of the dress is already badly wrinkled. It’s just bad.

I applaud fashion risks but not when they go too astray. Janelle Monae looked perfect from the waist up in this Elie Saab gown. Makeup and hair on-point. The belt looked misplaced and the shape of the dress looked too much like a costume from the Victor & Albert Museum. The patterns fought against each other and it resulted in a mess. I wished this had worked...but it didn't.

Brie Larson failed in this Oscar De La Renta dress. The plunging neckline was too severe for her petite frame. The ruffles took over the entire bottom of the dress. The sandals and hair suggest she just returned from the beach. Not a cohesive look whatsoever.

2017 Grammy Awards Fashion Critique

February 12, 2017

2017 Grammy Awards Fashion Critique

This year’s Grammy Awards certainly provided lots for us to look at—mostly lots of really terrible fashion. Thankfully they didn’t consider the artist’s fashion sense before handing out the golden gramophones. Let's take a look at some of the winners and a lot of train wrecks.

The Best

Adele glowed on the red carpet. Stepping away from her typical black outfit, her olive green Givenchy gown fit her perfectly. The different patterns work well together and her hair and makeup are flawless. She looks great and you can tell she feels it. She has never looked better.

I really had to take some time to digest Rihanna’s look. Then when I looked at everyone else that had come down the red carpet, I began to love it more and more. Her Armani Privé outfit consisted of a sparkly orange halter top and a voluminous black ruffled silk organza skirt. It was fresh, edgy and sexy. Truly an outfit that only Rihanna could rock.

Laverne Cox fit in with the rock-star crowd in this Bryan Hearns leather dress. This gladiator inspired number fits Laverne to perfection and provides enough drama to keep the rest of the look minimal. Her makeup was stunning and her eyes were bejewelled. Someone is ready for a great night.

Lady Gaga had quite the week. After being body shamed at the Super Bowl, she doubled down and gave everyone something to look at. While the look isn’t necessarily everyone’s taste, she was true to herself in a black leather crop jacket with rubber spines, black hot pants, fishnets and latex over-the-knee platform boots. Adding to her all black ensemble, she added some light pink highlights and a vibrant pink lip shade. This is the perfect outfit for when you’re performing with Metallica.

And another green dress makes the list. Celine Dion looked incredible in her plunging Zuhair Murad dress. The sexy dress was stunning on her slender frame and the colour was fresh and vibrant. She kept the makeup and hair simple and let the dress and the jewelry speak for itself. Strappy heels by Gucci and Dvani jewels.

Kat Graham had my favourite look of the entire evening. She turned heads in this dazzling Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture gown. The red, black and white asymmetrical dress hugged Kat in all the right spots. She looked poised, sexy, confident and relaxed. Wearing red can be tricky on the red carpet so a pattern like this is a great bet. Her makeup is fresh and clean and her hair is pulled back to let the dress speak for itself. Add her black platform heels, Le Vian earrings and a Swati ring, and you have the best-dressed look at the Grammys.

Kat Graham stuns in Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture

The Boring

Carrie Underwood came in bright red, showed plenty of cleavage, plenty of leg, see-through panels that sparkled and swayed and I was still yawning. Talk about too much going on with the high neck, the cut out, the oversized bell sleeves, the high slit and the train. A red dress on a red carpet can be a curse at times. Carrie knows fashion and this Elie Madi gown was a big disappointment.

I think Tori Kelly looks perfectly appropriate in this Badgley Mischka dress—if she was attending her second cousin’s wedding. This is the Grammys and she could have done a whole lot better. I don’t dislike the gold accessories. Her makeup is beautiful and her hairstyle needs to be left back on the set of Melrose Place.

Nick Jonas is easily one of the hottest young stars out there. Yet for music’s biggest night, he decides to go head-to-toe in black Balmain. The suede jacket gives off a sad honky-tonk vibe. The hardware on the jacket is not edgy or worthy of a rockstar. It looks like he went to Michaels craft supply store and studded it himself. The shoes add no contrast to his pants. This is just sad.

The Bad

Solange Knowles is no stranger to the red carpet. And when any designer is willing to dress you, this is what you decide on? There is way too much going on with this Gucci gown: pleating, high slit, peplum, no sleeve, 3/4 sleeve, side ruffle, off the shoulder, etc. And in case she needed more tricks to get our attention, she wore mismatched earrings. Don't even get me started on the plastic stripper heel. Her makeup is flawless….so there is that. Less is more Solange. Now go fire your stylist please.

Katy Perry is the perfect example of how high fashion can fail you at times. This Tom Ford gown could have been stunning on the right person, but not Katy Perry. First, it doesn’t fit her. Look at her pose and the gathering of fabric—it’s too loose. The rose gold sequins wash her out badly and the platinum locks don’t help either. The ombre feather skirt looks sad and limp. Sorry Katy, but Tom failed you this time.

Cee-Lo Green should have been turned away. This isn’t a costume party. You aren’t C3PO from Star Wars. I’m having difficulty describing this…a gold lamé faux ostrich robe with matching gold gloves. Mask inspired by the movie Prometheus. My only guess is he had some botched plastic surgery or chemical peel and couldn’t go out in public. Stay home Cee-Lo.

Cee-Lo Green hits all the wrong notes in this costume at the Grammy Awards

Girl Crush certainly shouldn’t be taken seriously. Decked out in a poorly constructed ball gown skirt that was adorned with balls from a local McDonald’s play pit, the performance artist looked ridiculous. The hem is falling down and her crop top is far too large. Too much bronzer on the face and too much bleach in the hair. Don’t expect to be invited next year.

Probably the most talked about outfit of the night is Joy Villa's (who?) dress. Her “Trump” dress received very mixed reviews, however, let's look at the actual construction. The sheer side panels don’t allow for her to wear underwear (so we don’t need to see your white lace thong). The placement of the lettering was amateur as you could never see the full statement or the full ‘TRUMP’ in the back. Her curvy figure skews the lines on the dress making it look sloppy. The white flower in the hair, the overdone jewelry, the peculiar clutch and the heavy makeup all add to the tackiness. Best to leave the political statements to the actors and actresses Joy. Oh—who is she again?

Joy Villa Who? The sooner we can forget, the better.

2017 Golden Globe Awards Fashion Critique

January 9, 2017

2017 Golden Globe Awards Fashion Critique

The Golden Globes may be the most important fashion event of the year because it sets the tone for the rest of the award season. If an actress wows the crowd at the Golden Globes, she is likely to stay faithful to that designer for the rest of the award season including the Oscars. However, if the outfit fails, stylists are fired, fittings are cancelled and new designers are chosen. Lets take a look at our most noteworthy looks from the 2017 Golden Globe Awards.

The Best

Lily Collins looked fresh and stunning in a dusty rose Zuhair Murad gown. The lace detail on the skirt gives the dress some whimsy while the overlay on the nude backing keeps it fresh and young. To ensure she wouldn’t be washed out by the colour, she used a bold red lip and a burgundy eye.

Annette Bening demonstrated you can be sexy at any age. You can tell she feels gorgeous in this Pamella Roland metallic gown that fit her like a glove. Get rid of mismatched clutch and this is a total homerun.

Blake Lively showed us that Hollywood glamour is still alive. Her black velvet Atelier Versace gown was dazzling embellished with gold details. She looked confident and sexy as she worked the carpet. If that wasn’t enough, check out those incredible emerald and diamond cuffs.

Yellow was a popular colour on the carpet tonight but Reese Witherspoon earned top marks with her Atelier Versace. Versace knows how to properly fit a gown and this number shows off Reese’s figure to perfection. The shade of yellow is perfect for her and her choice of canary diamonds is spot on. Her beachy hair and light make up are the perfect fit. Elle Woods would totes approve.

Some men took a moment to shine as well. It’s always nice to see who will take a risk and stray from the classic black tuxedo. This year, we had a few brave contenders who rocked colour on the red carpet: Ryan Reynolds in a custom off-white Gucci tuxedo and Christian Louboutin shoes, Justin Timberlake in a charcoal grey Tom Ford, Rami Malek in navy Dior Homme, and Donald Glover rocked a funky brown velvet Gucci tux.

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The Boring

Thandie Newton looked beautiful on the red carpet. However, her copper-dipped Monse gown clashed with the redness of the carpet The dress is stunning but it should have been worn to walk across the stage, not the red carpet.

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Emma Stone may have won a Golden Globe but this Valentino dress isn’t doing her any favours. The colour is too close to her skin tone and washes her out. And while the stars may pay tribute to her movie LaLa Land, they come across as cheap and tacky. On the positive side, her hair and jewelry were beyond perfection.

Kerry Washington is usually on top of the best dressed list but this Dolce & Gabanna yellow lace dress didn’t make much of an impact. The shoulders seem a bit too heavy and the length of the skirt makes her appear short. I’m not a big fan of the black waist detailing or the dark plum lip.

Carrie Bradshaw didn’t choose to wear a Vera Wang wedding dress in Sex and the City. I wish Sarah Jessica Parker had made the same decision at this year’s ceremony. The dress screams bridal and the sleeves are the saddest thing I’ve seen this year. The hair was a tribute to Carrie Fisher but that wasn’t enough to save this look.

The Bad

Felicity Jones’ hair and make-up were on point…unfortunately I can’t say the same about her Gucci dress. This is the perfect example of a couture dress being on the wrong person at the wrong event. If Nicole Kidman wore this to Cannes for a movie premiere, it could have been brilliant. Unfortunately, it came across looking frumpy and sad.

Jessica Biel missed big time with her Elie Saab dress. From the waist up, its perfection. The voluminous skirt swallows her frame and the embellishments look like they were glue-gunned there by her son. The heavy platform heels also add extra clunkiness.

Kerri Russell. Such a talented actress. Such an ugly dress. This belongs on Sofia Vergara as she is getting groceries at Whole Foods. The J. Mendel dressed flopped on it’s own, but the black choker and dark make-up didn’t help the situation. Leave the leopards alone.

Nicole Kidman and her MacQueen gown just didn’t hit the right notes. I really wanted to love this dress but there is too much going on. The sleeves are terrible—from the poofy top to the overly long fringe bottom. The visible corset is distracting from what is otherwise a beautiful silver pattern. Hair and make-up great as always.