It’s that spectacular time of year when opulence and glamour unite for breathtaking red carpet fashion. While many celebrities obsess over the details of an acceptance speech, others understand the importance of a successful red carpet look. Top Hollywood stylists are hired to create visual masterpieces that are sure to catapult starlets to the top of the coveted “Best Dressed List.” Though striking gowns often steal the spotlight, a successful red carpet look isn’t contingent solely upon the dress, a great couture gown is nothing without the “supporting cast”… the accessories.
Major names like Lorraine Schwartz, Harry Winston, and Fred Leighton dominate the jewelry category each year with distinctively luxurious red carpet creations. Stylists in recent seasons have been channeling old Hollywood glamour and opting for larger statement pieces. Actress Jessica Alba was the belle of the ball this year in a 5.8 million “Mrs. Winston” necklace by Harry Winston, while Julianne Moore and Rachel Weisz showcased exquisite craftsmanship from the Italian house Bulgari.
The clutch purse is the underdog of accessories and often overlooked during the red carpet fanfare. Instead of opting for discrete and simple shapes, starlets chose sleek, bold and edgy designs to conceal their personal items. Hayden Panettiere’s bubblegum Kotur clutch gave her ensemble a pop of color, while Katherine McPhee and Jennifer Lawrence opted for sleek box like designs from Oroton and Ferragamo. Fashion is all about taking risks, Jessica Alba, Helena Bonham Carter, and Nicole Ritchie were daring with a furry clutch from Roger Vivier, Red lips by Lulu Guinness and a fringe bag from House of Harlow.
Unless a starlet is doning an exposed leg like Angelia Jolie, we rarely get an opportunity to see their designers heels. Without a doubt there were three major shoe trends this season, the thick platform heel, the pointed toe pump, and the platform stiletto sandal. Rachel Zoe exposed a shimmery shoe with a thick heel from Brian Atwood’s latest collection, while Sophia Bush and Michelle Monaghan selected Casadei for their stroll down the carpet.
—Chandia Brennen
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