Here we go—2020 Awards season! Now that the holidays are behind us, it is time to hunker down and observe all of the celebrity fashion selects as they hit the multitude of red carpets events. Whether a hit or a miss, many celebs got attention for their ensembles at Sunday’s 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards.
With the exception of fashion week, the awards season red carpet is the best eye candy resource for trend-setting designs. This year’s Golden Globes did not disappoint. While some looks were disconcerting, others were spot on.
During an interview on iHeart radio’s WOR Tonight with Joe Concha (scroll to minute 26 to hear me!), Cooper Lawrence hit me with an interesting question.“How does Jennifer Lopez show up looking like a Christmas present and Gwyneth Paltrow like a coffee filter…don’t they have stylists, someone to tell them NO?”. The reality is, press is press whether it is good or bad. I am pretty sure the goal is NOT to wind up on the worst-dressed list, but taking a risk is what it is all about. If a celebrity goes with safety, which, many of them did—they get lost in the shuffle. The other interesting thing about fashion is how subjective it is. While browsing the reviews the morning after, I noticed certain looks that I found to be fashion offensive were getting the “thumbs up.” With that said, here is my personal red carpet rundown. Click through the links to see the designs.
Looks That Slayed
No one can debate the “WOW” factor of Billy Porter’s showstopper Alex Vinash all-white suit featuring satin trousers and a detachable (zip off) feather cape. Crowned “Best Dressed” by social media, Billy certainly topped even his own most iconic moments. The inspiration behind his ensemble and white angelic hue was “Peace, Hope and New Beginnings” and being true to his authentic self. Perfect sentiments as we enter this new 2020 decade. Billy also showcased stunning jewelry from Tiffany & Co. and square-toed sparkling Jimmy Choo shoes.
“This is not a sitting outfit, this is a STANDING outfit”, says Porter (his stylist had to trail behind him carrying his feathered cape). Once removed, what remained was a very elegant, albeit much simpler, all white tuxedo. Hello brides—I am seeing a future trend for zip-off trains alleviating the need for all that bustling.
When Scarlett Johansson hit the carpet, my jaw dropped. My first thought was, “Scarlett wears Scarlett—how perfect”. Radiant and flawless in a custom Vera Wang strapless red plunging gown accented with Bvlgari jewelry—Scarlett showed us a very different look from her low-key character in “The Marriage Story.” Pure perfection!
One of the most elegant and chic looks of the evening was donned by the award winner for Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Musical or Comedy—“The Farewell”—actress Awkwafina. Slaying in a white ruffle collar blouse and tuxedo inspired Dior Haute Couture jacket, Jimmy Choo clutch and Stuart Weitzman heels, Awkwafina was a WIN in every way possible. I adored her twist on the tuxedo customary pants—a long skirt. I am curious to see how long will it take for us to grab an affordable version of this look at go-to fashion forward Zara.
Ana De Armas, was another stunner on the carpet. From the shimmering blue hue of her sequins Ralph and Russo ballgown, to her coordinating Tiffany & Co. diamond drop earring and necklace combination, this look brought tears to my eyes. The best part—it has pockets!
Not everyone can pull off a canary yellow jumpsuit, but when you are as gorgeous as Zoey Deutch and your designer is iconic (custom) Fendi, it is a KILLER combo. The plunging neckline and puffy sleeves were proof enough that this trend is staying put.
What Were They Thinking?
All I can say here is, “WHY J. Lo????” Reports and comments across social media and the internet likened Jennifer Lopez’s gold, green and white couture Valentino gown with a MASSIVE bow, to a Christmas present. A far cry from her usual body slimming signature look. Let’s be honest here, J. Lo is absolutely stunning and could make a paper bag look couture—but next year I would skip the wrapping paper.
Our favorite girl redeemed herself at the CAA afterparty with an absolutely stunning all white 1960’s inspired bond-girl ensemble complete with feathers by Zuhair Murad.
Another look that had me scratching my head was donned by Jodie Comer. While the stunning emerald green hue definitely didn’t disappoint, the Mary Katrantzou design was compared by some to baby Yoda with its dramatic puffy sleeves. Paired with a feathered yellow Jimmy Choo handbag and hot pink Nickolas Kirkwood heels, I would say overall this look was confusing at best.
Love It or Hate It
Joey King’s optical illusion black and white dress by designer Iris van Herpen may have earned her some applause and best dressed comments, but from my fashion perspective I prefer to keep my art on the wall. Not only did I find the pattern disturbing to my eyes but I also felt it was ill fitting, most noticeably in her mid-section. As I said before, fashion is not a formula and not every style or trend is for everyone.
Another Fendi design on the carpet was worn by Gwyneth Paltrow. The barely-there sheer bronze dress with tiered skirt gave me a Free-People vibe and left little to the imagination. I’m on the fence about this one but either way I’m giving the 47-year-old actress credit for having the body and confidence to pull this off (and without a wardrobe malfunction, from what I understand). The built in bralette with matching high cut briefs by Fashion House stayed in place due to numerous fittings.
Charlize Theron rocked her edgy sexy side with a Kelly green one-shoulder belted gown by Dior Haute Couture. Another controversial look with the front half of the dress appearing to have been ripped off revealing a sizzling hot black corset. I found the design to be unique and in true Charlize Theron form. Not a look many can pull off, but Charlize slayed it.
Lastly, Kerry Washington did some risk taking of her own, wearing a modern tuxedo-meets-bondage Altuzarra two piece jacket and high-slit skirt proving that, at least on the red carpet, shirts are optional. In place of one, Kerry added a silver knotted chain link, and I can only imagine, A LOT of double-sided wardrobe tape. Love it or hate it, it is definitely a red carpet statement and has us all talking.
A quick note on the men’s side of the red carpet (yes, they do get some of our attention!) Velvet dominated as sported by “E!” host Ryan Seacrest in a color-block green blazer with wide black satin lapel accents. Jason Momoa looked exceptionally sexy in a velvet green Tom Ford blazer. And in typical Jason style, he wore only a tank underneath. Black on black also was a hot look for the night as seen on Quentin Tarantino, Matt Bomer, and Kit Harrington.
Phew! I don’t know about you, but I am ready for the Oscars!!!
This post originally appeared on BellaMag. It has been reprinted with permission.
Image Credit: jdeeringdavis [CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)