by Nathaniel R
Lady Gaga, Juliette Lewis, and Alana Haim all looking very glam over the weekend
Last night the stars had to choose between the BAFTAs and the Critics Choice Awards but the nominations did some of the choosing for them. For the Hollywood stars that were nominated in both locals, the choice was easy: BAFTA across the pond! When it comes to fashion, beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder so I can't begin to pretend that you'll agree with these selections as "best" or the roughly ascending order. But consider this weekend's ceremonies a warm-up to Oscar fashions. Apologies to Jada Pinkett Smith and Melanie Lynskey -- couldn't find full length images but they looked elevated in their style but also exactly like themselves which is often the perfect choice for a glamourous night out.
Okay, before the top nine, six looks to consider and share your opinion of, please...
DID THESE RISKS PAY OFF?
Love an 19th century bustle silhouette (via Louis Vitton) and JUNG HO-YEON certainly went for it. But something is off. Should the hair have been up?
A black minidress with a pink tulle bow that's nearly half the size of you? FLORENCE PUGH thought why not? A bold Carolina Herrera look to match her now very dark hair.
Okay so SIENNA MILLER went simple and sleek in the Gucci silhouette but there's something about the black lace gloves and the bottom ruffle on the dress that screams saloon whore. I mean this as a compliment (who doesn't love a saloon whore?) but also maybe it doesn't add up and the juxtapositions dont quite say anything?
What'cha think of these three looks?
MEN'S FASHION IS EXPANDING
Even when men opt for the black formal look these days, there's often an element to give the look some individuality. This is a very heartening trend after decades of very very basic men's fashion. The men have been going (relatively) wild for the past handful of years and it's awesome. Sebastian Stan had some drama in the collar and the fit was sleek and smart. Jonathan Bailey had a sexy snake pin for some visual pop and the cut is interesting but because it's black on black on black it's a bit hard to notice those details. Did either of them take it far enough? Meanwhile I normally love Riz Ahmed's fashion (Riz Ahmed's everything really... who doesn't?) but this BAFTA look appears to be combining three separate men's fashion trends: unusual color choices, very casual twists on formal wear, and oversized clothing... so he has the opposite problem of most men on the red carpet. Maybe this is just too many competing ideas for one night, especially for something as formal as the BAFTAs.
Again dying to here your collective thoughts.
OFFICIAL NEW COUPLE ALERT
Did you know that Stranger Things actress MILLIE BOBBY BROWN is dating Jon Bon Jovi's son, Jake Bongiovi (the family resemblance is clear!)? Well know you do.
Okay just stalling now here are my choices for "best dressed" of the night. Would love to hear yours.
9 FAVOURITE LOOKS OF THE NIGHT
IN ROUGHLY ASCENDING ORDER...
SERENA WILLIAMS looked like a goddess (appropriate) in silver that celebrating the current awards show trend of dresses that are refocusing on the boobs ( especially prevalent at the SAG Awards this year). As huge fans of boobs (is this the one straight thing about me or just another super gay thing about me?) I just love it.
KRISTEN STEWART was all classic champagne elegance in a Dolce & Gabbana slip dress but the tattoos, loose hair, and smoky eye added edge and chill. Do you think she thought she was going to win? I certainly expected her to, given the way the every member of CCA that I have personally spoken to this year has carried on about her for months. As noted in the CCA post, even though I personally prefer Jessica Chastain's performance I am not remotely a fan of the way so many voters (and it's not just the CCA members!) thrown their own favourites aside to join in Oscar punditry each year. It's very disheartening. Just vote with your heart and then we'll have some variety and some spreading of the wealth each season!
PAAPA ESSIEDU
KODI SMIT-MCPHEE
DANIEL KALUUYA in a fur trim Prada coat
Again... such a relief that men's fashion is exciting to look at after awards shows. Growing up it just never was. It was always only black tuxes.
Didnt expect to put little MILLICENT SIMMONDS (not so little anymore I guess, since she just turned 19) on a best dressed list but how great is this? It's young but elegant, fanciful but not twee, and the painted color is just delightful
Bless ARIANA DEBOSE for paying tribute to the role bringing her so much glory by wearing such a blinding Y-E-L-L-O-W gown (a color Anita favors in the movie). It's an Oscar de la Renta corset dress with a major thigh slit. We like to the burgundy red flower and shoes are in reference to Anita's red belt so memorably gifted to Maria in West Side Story. The West Side Story costumes by Paul Tazewell are Oscar-nominated.
Bucking the few fashion trends we've noticed RENATA REINSVE and CAITRIONA BALFE both looked sensational and very memorable in relatively simple but still dramatic white and black gowns, respectively. The shoulders in Balfe's black velvet gown give this high villainess drama, and the collared neck makes the plunging cleavage even more eye popping. Meanwhile Reinsve's floor length white Louis Vitton gown with gold lace cape granted her a film royalty princess look which is pretty smart for someone so relatively new to movies but who clearly belongs on the silver screen given that remarkable Cannes-winning performance.