In the midst of award season, actors and actresses have become used to the routine: the stylists, the gowns, the hair, the makeup and the red carpet walk. Every time they step out into the sea of flashbulbs, fashion critics and patrons alike take close note of their ensembles. The 2009 Screen Actors Guild Awards was no exception to the rule.
Going by the trends, the nominees and presenters followed suit of those praised at the Golden Globes: looks of understated glamour. On Sunday Jan. 25, the stars were rocking trends such as brightly colored frocks, one shoulder gowns, metallic numbers, and classic black and red dresses.
Kicking off the brightly colored gown trend, Eva Longoria Parker dazzled yet again in perhaps the boldest color of the evening. In a busy, orange sherbet colored, Jenny Packham gown, Longoria Parker sauntered down the red carpet in a gown with a detailed bodice and skirt complete with a jeweled appliqué on the chest. Some critics labeled the risk-taking “Desperate Housewives” star a fashion mess, but whatever the opinion, Eva Longoria Parker was clearly a stand out.
Actress Kate Winslet has not only been sweeping the awards ceremonies with nominations and wins but dazzling fashion critics with her gown selections. In a rich, electric blue Narciso Rodriguez dress, Winslet picked up another award for her work in “The Reader.” The form fitting blue gown, set off by her blonde hair, accentuated Winslet in all the right places and the flowing train elongated her frame.
Star of the hit show “Samantha Who?,” Christina Applegate may not have gotten the understated glamour memo with her large diamond necklace and hoop earrings paired with her encrusted Swarovski clutch, but she was on board with the brightly colored dress trend. In a loosely layered off the shoulder gown, Applegate contrasted with the red carpet in a bold green number.
One shoulder gowns were again one of the dominating trends of the night. “The Wrestler’s” Evan Rachel Wood fit the bill for two trend categories with her bold color choices and one shoulder dress. In a deep teal Monique Lhuillier gown, Wood paired her look with royal purple Sergio Rossi shoes and a matching purple clutch. The risk turned out to be a hit as Wood looked trendy yet timeless.
Another “Desperate Housewives” star daring to take a risk was Teri Hatcher. Compiling many looks into one dress, Hatcher’s gown was a white one shoulder Monique Lhuillier piece. With a black belt at the waist and ruffles from the shoulder to the train, many thought Hatcher’s look was too complicated.
Metallic dresses are another trend celebrities seem to be indulging upon without any signs of stopping. “Rachel Getting Married” nominee Anne Hathaway shone in a white Azzaro gown complete with a sparkling beaded neckline and waist. Actress Rosario Dawson wore a shiny pewter Dolce and Gabbana mermaid gown that stood out in the metallic crowd. Emily Blunt literally shimmered as she walked down the red carpet in a form fitting, metallic spaghetti strap Pamela Rowland gown.
Other actresses decided to fall back on the always appropriate trends: classic black and red dresses.
Always a fashion hit, Penelope Cruz lived up to her reputation in a black Azzedine Alaia halter gown. Sean Penn’s wife, Robin Wright, also kept it classic in a shiny strapless black dress. Actress Diane Lane chose a fabulous red David Meister gown that incorporated classic halter style. Also in a rich red colored gown, “30 Rock’s” Jane Krakowski dared to bare with a plunging neckline in her Roberto Cavalli ensemble. Claire Danes also chose to wear a fabulous red Nina Ricci dress. Combining shoulder straps and a layered look on the skirt, Danes wore the look right.
As the red carpet season moves along, celebrities are not letting up in their quest to look the best dressed. With another nod going out to a look that can be both simple and gorgeous, the SAG awards showcased many believers of the trend.
