MONTREAL - The power of black squared off against the colours of the rainbow at the Golden Globes awards Sunday night. And guess what? Black won as Rooney Mara stepped out in a plunging Nina Ricci gown, edged in net. There was little doubt the Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, featured in edgy fashion editorials recently, would stay true to her character’s dark image. But with Nina Ricci there is always a touch of romance to soften any edge.
The plunging neckline highlighted one trend of the evening, as more than a handful of actresses donned dresses with deep plunges, aided and abetted by a little sticky tape. Also in that style’s winner’s circle was Emma Stone in a two-toned Lanvin of deep aubergine and burgundy – with overly smoky eyes.
Charlize Theron wore pink Dior couture, signature big bow at hip, and a sparkling headband. The jewels were Cartier, or Cart-eee-yay, as they say in sunny Cal. Evan Rachel Wood’s plunging Gucci was a dark confection of sequined bodice and feathered skirt – and rather creepy on close inspection.
More than a few also went high-necked, Julianna Margulies, Zooey Deschanel and Jessica Chastain among them, proving fashion is just all over the place.
The stars did not play it safe this season, but aimed for maximum impact. Angelina Jolie aces every awards show, this time rocking a gown by Atelier Versace, the light satin column off-set with a pleated slash of blood red atop a high strapless bodice.
That was the elegant edge of going all out on a fashion limb. Just check out Sarah Michelle Gellar’s blue tie-dye-paint-splatter ballgown by Monique Lhuillier. Gellar’s two-year-old insisted mommy wear the dress, the actress told E. A stylist is born, perhaps?
Also by Lhuillier, a blinding yellow strapless worn by Paula Patton. Not that it looked bad – it just wasn’t safe. Piper Perabo, so perfect in black Oscar de la Renta last year, went for an almost sheer nude ballgown by Theyskens Theory, a risk worth taking. But not so for Dianna Agron in a red gown with a laser-cut bodice of swans, and shredded skirt. Ouch.
Also painful: Madonna in Reem Acra, busting out of her bodice, and her weird accent; Nicole Nicole Kidman in a studded gown by Versace that couldn’t have been tighter; and Lea Michele preening in a bare silver lace gown by Marchesa.
There was much oohing and aahing in the Twittersphere about Claire Danes’s gown by J. Mendel, with a cutout back, embellished cap sleeves and belt, white front, black skirt. Not so sure about that, folks. Another questionable ensemble was Tilda Swinton’s Haider Ackermann three-piecer, in pale blue. Hardly a colour for the high priestess of fashion, one would think.
And Jessica Biel in sparkly lace Victoriana fit for her wedding day, but without her engagement ring or fiancé Justin Timberlake. The two-tone dress was yet another trend. The ever-adorable Deschanel, in custom Prada, sported bright green sequins atop, black skirt below. Cool, and very unlike the sweetheart pink prom dress with red sash she wore to last year’s Emmys. The quirk factor was present in a white beaded collar, barely there back and tuxedo manicured nails.
Kate Winslet was smashing in Jenny Packham with a black satin top and white skirt, quite the contrary to most rules of style. Elizabeth McGovern also played the duo tones, in blue skirt and black strapless bodice, appearing a touch matronly, which of course is her role in Downton Abbey.
Staying true to character, the va-va voom Sofia Vergera chose blue Vera Wang – again – strapless, fitted and hugging every curve. Reese Witherspoon played a similar look in red by Zac Posen, as did The Artist’s Bérénice Bejo, in sapphire. And the cutest little bowtie? On Uggie, The Artist’s Jack Russell.