This was a year of beautifully draped fabric and flattering silhouettes. In terms of colour soft neutrals and metallics were very prominent (white, gold, cream, grey) with only a few nominees and presenters choosing red/orange (Eva Longoria Parker, Elisabeth Moss), blue (Drew Barrymore, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Debra Messing), purple (Anna Paquin, Rumour Willis), yellow (Christina Applegate) and black (Kate Winslet, Isla Fisher, Tina Fey).
The mermaid silhouette was one of the most popular of the night. This shape best suits the hour glass figure or “X” body proportion type. Gowns that are fitted on top then loosely draped beginning at the waist, then falling to the floor are good for a variety of body types.
When celebrities work with stylists they of course choose dresses they like but they also consider participating in what will be the “hot” trends on the red carpet. Consequently, we often see a lot dresses that are similar to each other in style and colour. To a degree this in turn influences retails designers and the fashion taste of the publics who watch and admire celebrity style.
The members of companies such as ABS (headed by Allen Schwartz) are known to watch the award show together. As soon as the actors hit the rug they begin planning, sketching and choosing which gowns to knock off.
These dresses can be purchased in American department stores and online through companies such as Neiman Marcus, The Shopping Channel, Blue Fly, and E Dress Me.
Note that knock offs are sometimes very close in design to the original but it many cases they are re-designed to better suit the average woman’s body. In other words, shoppers need to be able to wear these dresses without the help of body tape and a personal stylist!
I have personally never seen a knock off that was constructed of fabrics as high in quality as that of the original gown. This is because the knock offs are sold at a fraction of the cost of the original. What was an $8000.00 designer gown might be copied and then sold at a price of $350.00.
Clearly artisitic integrity is not a priority here. Companies like ABS do seem to have a market which keep them in business however.
For some watching the red carpet specials is a chance to enjoy Hollywood glamour hard at work. For others it can be a quick tutorial on what’s hot and what’s not. It is also an opportunity to decide which styles you like and why. Inspiration for your own life can and should be taken from anywhere and everywhere!
While I sometimes browse the best and worst dress lists, I do so out of curiosity only. The opinions of the many talk show hosts, commentators and so called fashion police do not influence my opinions.
The photos above depict 2 of my favorite looks of the 2009 Golden Globes. They are credited to J. Merrit and owned by Getty Images.
Eva Longoria Parker dress - Reem Acra
Ava Mendes dress - Dior
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