The Emmys – the most talked about event in the world of television entertainment; where actors and actresses and their respective television shows are honored for talents in writing, comedic and dramatic talent, directing, and hosting. Each popular television show vies for the title of best series, and naturally it’s always a nail-biter to see who will go home with the coveted gold statue.
The Emmys, however, aren’t just about who mastered the role of undercover cop, who stole the show as the skilled surgeon, or which weekly nighttime program grabbed the most viewers. It’s also about the hottest couture gowns on the most reputable celebrities. Whether they had stylists to construct their outfits or scoured the vintage racks in Los Angeles themselves, the stars knew how to work their attire this season on the red carpet. Others, of course, should have taken more time to rethink their Emmy accouterments before stepping out of the limousine.
“I love the Emmy’s for the fashion and the dresses! The red carpet pre-show, where the stars talk about their gowns, is always more fun than the actual awards ceremony,” said sophomore Becky Joseph.
The famed red carpet would be nothing without the numerous dresses grazing the path to the Nokia Theatre. It’s a night where television’s most affluent actresses, screenwriters and directors don customized designer dresses and hard-to-find pieces from past decades.
Trends including Primary colors, plunging necklines accessorized with bows, metallic fabrics and details, off the shoulder get-ups and mock Greek-Goddess gowns were everywhere in sight. They were the styles that stood out amongst the commotion of flashing bulbs, insistent reporters and screaming fans. Mariska Hargitay, noted for her encompassing role of Detective Olivia Benson on ‘Law and Order: Special Victims Unit,’ outshone sunny Los Angeles in a canary yellow Carolina Herrera gown, while ‘Weeds’ star Mary-Louise Parker beat the heat in a cool blue Roberto Cavalli dress.
In true celebrity form, many entertainers hit it big with dazzling jeweled-dresses. Kyra Sedgwick of ‘The Closer’ attracted the attention of spectators with a bejeweled knee-length dress by L’Wren Scott sparkling at the bust. Appealing to a more retro take on the jeweled neckline, ‘Entourage’ personality Perrey Reeves balanced a cream dress detailed with red and gold beading.
Dainty and sweet gowns wrapped in bows also had their presence on the carpet. Eva Longoria, Kristen Chenoweth, and ‘Dancing With the Stars’ host Zuhair Murad, flaunted the classic bow in different ways. Longoria, one of ABC’s most darling actresses, showed some leg in Marchesa’s featured dress with an exaggerated bow in the front. Chenoweth kept it simple in a sleek, charcoal black Armani number, while Murad spun the look around with a delicate bow peeking from behind.
Perhaps the most apparent trend making its mark on the red carpet this year was that of the Greek Goddess imitation, a classic look that has been recreated in the past. Holly Hunter, Lisa Rinna, and Cheryl Hines swept the carpet in gowns fit for a mythological goddess in rich purples and whites. Looking stunning in their ensembles, they stole glances from the most established fashion critics in sight.
Other superstars weren’t as lucky with their selections according to many fashion critics. Heidi Klum, a regular fashion icon in the fashion business, seemed to hit a wrong note when it came to selecting her red carpet ensemble. The Armani dress seemed to sparkle a little too much, and the layers of the black tiered dress did not compliment Klum’s outstanding figure.
Despite Klum’s mishap at the awards show, most of television’s leading ladies chose designs worthy of front page news and high end fashion spreads in the leading magazines. Trends have been changing year to year on the show, but viewers have constantly been excited to see what their favorite celebrities have to present while walking the red carpet.
Lindsey Raffol, a Quinnipiac student who tuned into the awards show, said, “It was fun to see the characters of your favorite television shows wearing fashions you wouldn’t normally see their characters wearing on television.”
The Emmys, as with other awards shows, goes hand in hand with fashion and couture that will be remembered in years to come, with trends and styles that will be imitated by more wallet-friendly designers. Investing time in the Emmys may just give you the insight you need when shopping for the formal wear for any upcoming event that may be on your calendar. It may be well worth it-who doesn’t want to look like Eva Longoria whenever they get the chance?