Generally, I'm a nice person. I believe in being nice and working hard, that's just my life philosophy. But when it comes to the red carpet, this is when I become the real Fashion Police. I have some real fashion opinions and I do not hold back. I've been critiquing red carpets since I was ten years old. Funny how I never turned my critiquing skills into a career. It's not that funny, because I'm actually trying to pursue a filmmaking career, but I still love watching red carpet coverage.
Over the years, I've realized that these awards don't carry as much weight as they use to. When I was a kid, I was obsessed with the Academy Awards. I wanted to make films and hopefully win an award, but I finally realized that it's all political. Just because a film wins doesn't mean it's really a great film. I've learned to critique films and understand what makes a good film with well developed characters and great storytelling. So when I pay money to watch Oscar nominated films and come out utterly disappointed and angered, I question these awards. The lack of diversity of the Academy members and winners also highlight the problems that exist within the industry.
Enough serious business, now to the fun of the red carpet!
Emma Stone has been labeled a fashion risk taker in the last few years. She wore a bejeweled strapless top with pants at the Golden Globes and all of a sudden, she's different and a red carpet stand out. As much as I agree that this Dior Haute Couture look is "different", it isn't spectacular either. There isn't enough proof to me that Emma Stone is a fashion risk taker. I can name maybe five looks of hers that I like (Calvin Klein, Preen, Valentino), but I just see her as safe and not fashion risk tasking until Award Season 2015. I've never found any of her Oscar looks or Met Gala looks noteworthy. I would prefer this look on another actress who is naturally edgy.
Emilia Clarke looks striking in Donna Karan Atelier. I love how sophisticated the gown is and the back is particularly elegant. I would have loved to see a brighter lip to make the overall effect more modern and youthful. I would have also loved for the criss-cross neckline to be an off white or ivory for a contrast - that's just my personal opinion.
Rosamund Pike is getting a lot of mixed reactions about her Dior high low hem and tent-shaped textured gown. I will be the first person to jump to her defense and commend her red carpet boldness! She has been pretty consistent during her red carpet appearances for Gone Girl and I truly appreciate how she has her own signature red carpet style. It may not be conventional, but that's why she is a red carpet standout. I absolutely LOVE tent-shaped dresses and generally interesting silhouettes for gowns and I love seeing certain actress embrace something DIFFERENT. Go Rosamund! Now wear more colors before you fall into a fashion rut.
I want to love Felicity Jones in Balenciaga, but I have a few issues with this almost perfect look. First of all, that hair is just atrocious. This is not a red carpet worthy hair and no one should wear their hair like this... ever. This Balenciaga gown is inspired by the Spring 2015 collection. If you look at the collection, you will see the criss-cross neckline is meant to fall below/off the shoulders, whereas on Felicity, it's resting on her shoulders, making her look constricted and uncomfortable. Some women are born with natural beauty, but red carpets are a time to slap on some lipstick or something.
Gretchen Mol wore one of the prettiest gowns on the SAG red carpet this year. She looked perfectly feminine in an ethereal gown by Dennis Basso. I'm a huge fan of vintage silhouettes, sparkly accents and beading and chiffon make my heart swell. Just look at that hem! It's heavenly!
As I said in my last SAG Red Carpet commentary, Julianne Moore can do NO wrong! Julianne is not afraid of color, in fact she can pull off any color in the rainbow. I'm sure most people will agree, she looks absolutely stunning in emerald green. She loves to experiment with her hair also, which is something I appreciate. It bothers me when some people don't know what to do with their hair, but Julianne gets it right.
Speaking of not knowing what to do with their hair, I'm not entirely impressed by Keira Knightley's hair. I think this loose casual hair look is contradicting the edginess of the ear cuff. The two just don't go together. I've never liked dark purple, red toned or blue toned, but I'll ignore the color of this Erdem gown and comment on the gown itself. Usually, I adore Erdem - floral, pattern blocking, pastel and neon colors, but I'm not a fan of the silhouette.
Maggie Gyllenhaal's character on The Honourable Woman has been named the Best Dressed Television Character. This is reflected in her red carpet and street style choices. Maggie is known for her low-key, minimalist red carpet looks, intermixed with the occasional floral and animal prints. She looks particularly statuesque in this long sleeved white Thakoon gown.
Lupita Nyong'o has received a lot of attention as a red carpet darling in her daring fashion choices. She has been applauded for wearing every single color of the rainbow on the red carpet. Well, I'm the first one to adore an Elie Saab gown, but I'm not that fond of this one. I can see why Lupita would pick this gown of all the glorious choices, because she looks great in prints and bright colors. I just don't find this look that special. I still think her best look is the red cape Ralph Lauren gown she wore at the Golden Globes last year.
Jennifer Aniston, as much as I love you in Friends, can I just say... no to this look. I have no words. Also, she was one of the actresses who refused to do the mani cam, which leads me to discuss:
To Mani Cam or Not to Mani Cam
I'm not going to defend or attack the mani cam, but I really don't think that the mani cam is particularly undignified. As I read an article about certain actresses refusing to show off their manicured fingers and jewelry, I question why is a mani cam is so particularly insufferable, whereas it's okay to wear plunging necklines, high slits and 8-inch heels?! These actors or celebrities get to dress up in beautiful and expensive clothes, get their hair and make up and nails done, wear exquisite jewelry and now there's one more thing to complain about? Mani cams?! This is a serious case of #firstworldproblems. Please understand I'm only complaining, because others complained first.
This is really not something worth writing about, but if celebrities get to look beautiful on the red carpet, they are required to say "who they're wearing" and showing off their jewelry, so why can't there be a special camera to show off their nail art and rings? It's all advertising and they're just part of the glamor of showcasing themselves. If some people have a problem with the mani cam, I think the real problem is the whole red carpet ordeal. You are required to walk down and show off yourself and answer asinine questions from hundreds of journalists, but it's part of the whole contract and I think if you can show up to an award season, you can show off your nail art.
Image Credit: InStyle