On February 27, 2011 movie lovers all over the world tuned in to watch the 83rd Academy Awards. While many were watching to see whether their favorite movie and/or actor would win an Academy Award, many also were just as curious about who would wear what for the most prestigious award show in the entertainment industry.
Red Carpet
The red carpet proceedings were just as entertaining as the actual show. These movie stars and other celebrities in the entertainment industry typically spend months preparing for this one evening of elegance. And as is customary for each year, there were hits and a few misses.
What the Men Wore
Aside from a tux, what can men really do to stand out on the red carpet for their attire? A few men tried their best, and made a fairly good impression. Needless to say, the best accessory for these men was the women on their arms. But women aside, these men, in order of most favorite, did a good job making an historical fashion impression on their own:
- Matthew McConaughey – Always been a favorite of mine as an actor, he truly did not disappoint in his Dolce & Gabbana tux.
- Robert Downey, Jr. – There is no stopping Robert since he cleaned up his act, and regained his status as a serious, talented actor. While I'm not too keen on the white on white shirt and tie ensemble, I must admit that he pulled it off very well. In general he looked quite the gentleman.
- Justin Timberlake – cleaned up very nicely in his Tom Ford tux. I'm started to take him seriously as an actor since the movie, Social Network.
- Mark Ruffalo – very sexy in his tux. The pin on his lapel was an elegant way to add jewelry.
- Jeremy Renner – looked pretty dapper as he strolled down the red carpet.
- Josh Brolin – I liked that he paired his tux with a vest. Especially pleased that he dared to be different and chose to wear a navy three-piece suit.
- Russell Brand – Russell did not disappoint. In true Russell Brand form, he stood out in a blue-and-black suite, paired with a matching checked shirt.
The Misses
I'm sure there was a method behind the following "madness" of fashion so I'll appreciate these ladies attempt at being different and making a statement:
- Helena Bonham Carter – I didn't get it. Known for her eccentricity, Helena was surprising in a conservative black bustier ensemble created by Alice in Wonderland costume designer Colleen Atwood. Still, the operative word is "costume." Her dress was suitable as a costume, and not an Oscar gown.
- Melissa Leo – This Marc Bouwer creation unfortunately did nothing for Melissa's big Oscar night. It reminded me of a large doily my grandmother would place on a couch.
- Sharon Stone – We know she is a fierce, influential actress. That's a good thing because her feathered one-shoulder Christian Dior gown did nothing to remind us of her power and style.
What the Women Wore
Beautiful, elegant gowns graced the red carpet for the 2011 Academy Awards. Thanks to the following women, in order of most favorite, we were reminded that red is still a favorite statement color of glamour that can be strikingly beautiful on the right frame:
- Sandra Bullock – Best Actress winner in 2010, Sandra was truly elegant in a strapless scarlet Vera Wang gown.
- Anne Hathaway – As the Oscar's co-host, Anne was truly beautiful and elegant in a red vintage Valentino bustle gown. I loved the ruffled rose detailing.
- Jennifer Lawrence – A simple, but sexy Calvin Klein dress accessorized perfectly with minimal jewelry was pulled off very well by Jennifer.
Nudes were a big hit this year, and I must admit it was a color that caught me by surprise. These ladies, in order of most favorite, made me want to invest in this color:
- Halle Berry – Does this woman ever get it wrong? It doesn't appear so. Halle was truly a picture of elegance, grace, sophistication and style in an encrusted Marchesa gown.
- Michelle Williams – Very chic in an embellished Chanel dress accessorized by Harry Winston diamond earrings.
- Mandy Moore – Beautiful nude, crystal-encrusted Monique Lhuillier gown. I especially liked that the gown appeared to have been spray-painted on her bodice and arms.
Two ladies who stood out of the crowd for me as the most striking examples of elegance, grace and style were:
- Jennifer Hudson – She gets the top prize as the most improved example of style and grace. Having lost weight on the Weight Watchers program, Jennifer showed off her new physique in a tangerine orange, sexy Versace halter gown.
- Helen Mirren – Women of a certain age should take a page out of Helen's book of style. I can't say she ever disappoints when she dresses for the Oscars, and this year was no exception. This 65-year old Dame was more like a Queen in a gunmetal gray Vivienne Westwood gown, accessorized by Cartier diamonds of course.
Overall, Hollywood didn't disappoint. I must say that I do miss the good old days though when The Oscars was like going to a grand ball in the presence of the Queen of England. Gowns were a must, and everyone pulled out all the stops to look flawless, elegant and sophisticated. Hollywood may be headed back to the good old days of glamour; we'll see.
Until next time, fellow fashionistas!
Velma Rose-Romans - Writing has always been a passion of mine so it was no coincidence when the universe brought this opportunity my way. In addition to a ...
