Oscars 2023 – A Fashion Post

Welcome to my annual Oscars-Fashion critics a la AJ. As usual, I’m not discussing movies, performances, or anything else. I looked at the participants and their gowns, and I’m presenting my personal opinion here, nothing more. Your taste might be very different, but we know this will happen. I hope you’ll have a little bit of fun with this post.

Let’s start with what I consider the most awkward dresses… there are one or two that are downright horrible, but generally, I think there’s either ‘too much’ or ‘not enough’… We’re going to find out soon what I’m talking about.

Not The Best

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Allison Williams, on the left, picked a lace dress with an awkward ruffle feathered hem and an oversized stuffy coat. All in all, she resembles an exploded Miss Piggy… too much laze, too much coat, too much fabric, too much – everything. Songwriter Tems, on the right, showed up in something that looked like two layers of a tulle curtain loosely wrapped around her. You had no idea what this creation was supposed to do: expose or cover. However, it was not very flattering.


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Olivia Wilde on the left: the combination of black and white is normally a well-chosen classic – unless you decide to wear ‘almost nothing’ covered with a bed sheet… Too little on top and the left, too much on the right – and it’s ill-fitting. I’m curious if you actually fell out of this creation.

Eva Longoria, I’m sorry for being so blunt, but it seems very much like one of the straps and tapes might have loosened or given up… your barely covered breasts looked crooked… the right one was hanging a little lower. You’re breathtaking. I’ve seen you in the most beautiful dresses, but picking this one might not be the best choice.


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Sandra Oh wore an orange gown with too many ruffles, too many layers, and too much fabric; it wasn’t very flattering on her, and it made her look heavy and bloated.

Jessie Banks, on the right, tried to impress with a strict, anthracite/purple gown covered in lace and sparkles, making her look like a 12th-century nun. Too much puff sleeves, too much lace, too dark… Her stylist must have been sleeping on the job.


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Florence Pugh… I think you’re a very talented and beautiful young actress… and I’m very much for signature statements, but this combination, with black shorts under an insufficiently created’ coat-dress-sleeves-over-the-top-wrinkled-fabric-thingy’ is not a statement, unless, of course, you want to stand for really bad taste.

Fan BlingBling on the right obviously had a similar problem. She’s one of the most talented and internationally known Chinese actresses, beautiful, famous, and gifted, and the slimming and gorgeous silver dress would have been sufficient. The grass green sleeve fabric around her makes her look slightly like a human grasshopper.


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Elizabeth Banks, my-oh-my… what happened here? It seems you got something like a dress designed, and when it came to the skirt, you realized there wasn’t enough fabric, and it was completed with a shower curtain. Not very flattering on you. It covers everything that could be pronounced and pronounces everything that should be covered.

Kate Hudson, on the right, wears a creation completely covered in sparkles, too many of them, to be precise, too many ruffles, too much fabric, too much sparkling, too much cleveage… You used to have quite a good taste – where was that today?


The Best

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Jamie Lee Curtis on the left in Dolce & Gabbana convinces with a beautiful, age-appropriate, figure-flattering dress in blush, with just enough extras and sparkle, to make her look stunning and radiant. This I call excellent taste!

Halle Berry shows on the red carpet, donning a breathtaking gown in white, revealing just enough to be tastefully sexy and covered in just the right places to be elegant rather than cheap! Well done!


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Angela Bassett looks breathtaking in a purple Moschino; every inch an elegant lady and the talented, beautiful actress she is. What a great choice!

Emily Blunt, on the right, looked angelic in a simple but classic figure-hugging dress. She’s stunning with the most wonderful, mysterious smile imaginable. Beautiful!


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Nicole Kidman took a little risk with this black gown, but she rocks the frock! I heard quite a few voices who insist she belongs to the ‘worst’ dressed side, but I don’t believe so. I think, she presents her dress elegantly and with dignity. It might be a bit on the ‘sparklier’ side, but her calm nature still dons it in a classy way. Stunning!

Supermodel Cara Delevigne is the only one who could present this assymetric red princess gown with the high slit elegantly and classy. She reminds me of the sexy version of Audrey Hepburn. She clearly feels at home in this gorgeous creation. Well done!


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Michelle Williams is another one of the ‘undecided’ ladies on the Oscars 2023 red carpet. I heard voices calling it ‘unflattering’ and ‘wrong choice’. I think, she wears the white gown with the sparkly top in an innocent way elegant and presents it as hers. It might be a bit ‘bridal’, but I don’t see why this would be a problem. It’s gorgeous and beautiful.

To my surprise, I ‘had to place’ Lady Gaga on the ‘best dressed’ list as well. The unusual design of the top of her dress is typical for her, but the classic elegance of the skirt makes up for it. She looks like a lady, beautiful and mysterious. Well done!


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Michelle Yeoh wears a stunning ‘fringe’ dress in white that makes her look young, classically elegant, and every inch the breathtaking lady and talented actress she is. What a great choice.

Halle Baily wears her light blue Dolce & Gabbana gown like a princess. It makes her look innocent and debonair. She beams positively in this color. That’s how it’s done!


A Word About The Men On The Red Carpet

I hope you’ll permit me a few words about the men and their wardrobes tonight. We had a lot of ‘Back To The Traditions’ this year, which I wholeheartedly agree!

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Both Gentlemen, Austin Butler as well as Brendon Fraser wore traditional tuxedos and both look elegant and classy presenting themselves. Excellent choice!


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We have Idris Elba on the left, wearing a blue jacket in combination with black slacks and shoes, looking classy, so does Oscar winner Ye Huy Quan in his traditional black suit with the white shirt and bow tie.


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Now to two gentlemen who have never been known for their traditional way… despite the two could easily pull it off, they decided on their own, unique style: Lenny Kravitz, in a non-traditional Saint Laurent combination, with wide-leg trousers and an open draped top shirt/jacket. And I’m the first one to admit: I got nothing negative to say… he’s one of the very few who can pull this off – and still looks absolutely great!

Dwayne Johnson, on the other hand: everything is a perfect fit… Suit and bow tie, shoes, shirt, watch, everything is excellently tailored… the only thing that I could mention is, that I’m not the biggest fan of the salmon/peach color. Congrats to his designer, Dolce & Gabbana are probably the only ones who could master that particular task!



This is it from my March 12, 2023 Fashion Corner on ‘Writer’s Treasure Chest’. I hope, you had a little bit of fun reading this!

Good Night!

(All pictures were provided by Google.com)

The Golden Globe 2020 Ladies Fashion Post

Last night, like millions of others, I watched the ‘Golden Globes.’ I had a great time seeing the red carpet introductions and the comments… and knowing me, also the fashion.

During the show, the winners, at times, made me shake my head. I saw quite a few of the nominated movies and the involved actors and couldn’t understand some choices. – Just one example:

Best Performance by an Actress in a Limited Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Kaitlyn Dever (“Unbelievable”)
Joey King (“The Act”)
Helen Mirren (“Catherine the Great”)
Merritt Wever (“Unbelievable”)
Michelle Williams (“Fosse/Verdon”) – WINNER

They had Helen Mirren nominated in ‘Catherine the Great’ – and they made Michelle Williams the winner? I’m sorry, I cannot understand that.

Also, they pronounced ‘Missing Link the Best Animated Film! Are you kidding me?? They had nominated Frozen 2, Toy Story 4, and The Lion King!! Every single one of them far better than the winner…

The complete winner list can be seen here:

https://www.goldenglobes.com/winners-nominees

I admit I’m not an expert, that is just my personal taste. I suggest you decide for yourself on the winners.

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I figured, I would concentrate on the ladies fashion (with one exception, maybe), since I ‘grew up’ in Ladies’ Fashion, learning everything, every single step from the design to the sales, I helped to dress models and organized Fashion Shows… that is something I know about. (I might not be a fully-fledged expert, but definitely a mini-expert with a good taste.)

Let’s pick some of the most impressive dresses and their wearers and have a closer look at them:

Trend: elegant, red evening gowns with an abstract ‘extra,’ like a ‘twist,’ a waterfall, a drapery or a train that pronounces the simplicity of the dress but shows the great taste of the wearer.

Another beautiful dress, worn by an extraordinary actress was Helen Mirren in Dior:


A different trend at this year’s Golden Globe red carpet was oversized sleeves, which in my opinion, were not very flattering. Olivia Coleman’s balloon-like puff sleeves added some weight to her attractive appearance.

Jodie Comer nearly disappeared in the monstrous green fabric, which, in my opinion, is quite a pity since she usually has a far better taste. She is so pretty, why hiding her in that green tent?

As for Beyonce’s dress: I think it is a quite tasteless construct with no decent form. The over-dimensional golden sleeves, to the same time, build the top, and can barely keep her cleavage at bay. Sometimes, less is more, Mrs. Carter.

Sleeves at the Golden Globes - Beyone, Jodie Comer and Olivia Colman


Absolutely stunning:

Michelle Pfeiffer                                                     Rachel WeiszImage result for Golden Globes 2020 Michelle Pfeiffer dressRelated image

Ana De Armas                      Renee Zellweger                           Reese Witherspoon

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jennifer Aniston                 Glenn Close                                      Akwafina

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gillian Andersson                 Dakota Fanning                             Natalie Morales

Slide 39 of 74: Gillian Anderson opted for this sleek white gown, which featured a half cape-like detail and half sleeveless style. Aside from the interesting top half, the rest of the gown was classically simple, a fitted column-style skirt that made a glamorous statement. Next up? The interested twist the star added along the back...

Slide 74 of 74: Natalie Morales rocked this vibrant off-the-shoulder gown on the red carpet. From the slim fit to that glamorous train, we loved the silhouette but think it needed a little more sparkle or glam for such a big night.Slide 47 of 74: Dakota Fanning's lilac confection gave us fairy princess vibes on the red carpet. The star's Dior design featured sweet puffy short sleeves, braided detailing and a full pleated skirt. Next up? A better look at her stellar jewelry selection...

I don’t think I need to explain why I find these ladies’ impeccable taste and wonderful choice of dresses simply a feast for the eyes.


Not sure? My opinion:

Joey King hasn’t exactly hit the ‘jackpot’ with this Iris Van Helpen dress. I don’t think it’s an evening gown, predestined to be shown on the red carpet of one of the most important award events in Hollywood. (Besides, the iridescent pattern on the black and white dress is irritating my eyes.)

Joey King Golden Globes 2020

I read many scornful, malicious, and rogue comments about Cate Blanchett’s light yellow/silver dress with the unusual wing-sleeves. I cannot find anything bad about the design of this dress, and it fits Cate Blanchett’s slim body and fair skin perfectly well. To me, she looks as ethereal as a fairy princess. Stunning, in my opinion.

Cate Blanchett Golden Globes 2020

Billy Porter, in his white tux in combination with the bright white feathery train (which, in my opinion, isn’t even right for the wedding of a pair of crop pigeons), looks like the personified bird-flu, as I find. It’s just too much. This isn’t a ‘statement’… it’s a demonstration of a poor taste.

Billy Porter Golden Globes 2020

Rooney Mara, in her black lace dress, might look a little bit on the ‘goth’-side, but I can’t help myself: on her, this frock looks perfect. Since the lace is making the black dress quite vivid, she made a great decision by wearing her jewels in her hair. The only thing that’s missing is a smile.

Rooney Mara Golden Globes 2020

Salma Hayek was another actress whose red carpet look got quite a few horrible comments.  I personally think, compared to other dresses I saw her wearing, she did quite well with her Bombshell Gucci dress. The white and blue looks good on her, and even though the plunging top turned heads, the top fabric was still strong enough to hold everything where it belonged and present it nicely. Others might not share my opinion, but I think she looks awesome!

 

I’ll make this one short. Many seem to think Lucy Boynton looks stunning in this silver dress. I think she looks like she’s wrapped in aluminum foil and corded up on the neck like a trash bag. Sorry, not my taste.

Slide 43 of 74: Lucy Boynton stunned in silver on the Golden Globes carpet. From the high neck to those sweet short sleeves to the pleated skirt, this metallic Louis Vuitton number was fabulous enough on his own. But the star added her own twist with her signature dramatic makeup, and this year she didn't disappoint...

Zoe Kravitz’s two-pattern polka dot dress got quite different comments. From ‘boring’ to ‘doesn’t fit,’ ‘looks bad’, ‘bad taste’ up to ‘should have stayed home’ almost anything could be read – a few of the comments I read were carefully neutral, like ‘did her best’… I don’t know why the bad comments. Yes, it might not be the most elegant, the most head-turning, or even the sexiest dress of the event – but I think she looks simply cute! Well done, Zoe.

Image result for Golden Globes 2020 Zoe Kravitz dress

Beautiful Margot Robbie earned wonderful reviews and compliments for her Chanel frock with the metallic top and the white bottom. Even though it is a ‘safe side’ evening gown, I’m afraid with me it triggers an unsuppressible yawning reflex. She can do so much better.

Image result for Golden Globes Margot Robbie dress

Michelle Williams is a wonderful lady and quite a good actress. To see her in this orange dress is a bit sad to me. That gown looks like it accidentally slipped to the side, revealing some blue undergarment that doesn’t belong there. This gown here is, once again, an excellent example that shows Luis Vuitton should stay with designing travel baggage instead of Ladie’s evening gowns. It didn’t do Michelle Williams any good.

Image result for Golden Globes 2020 Michelle Williams dress

A ‘different’ kind of couple at the award was Jason Momoa and wife Lisa Bonet. I heard bad comments about Lisa Bonet, while, of course, Jason Momoa is and was the ladies’ favorite. I’m not sure what people are talking about. Lisa Bonet was never a candidate for conventional fashion, and I wouldn’t expect her to be one now. With her simple, floral Fendi couture dress in beige, and Jason Momoa’s combination of Ford and Valentino, carried over a black t-shirt, they both make a well dressed beautiful couple, known for their individual style.

I read many negative and positive comments about beautiful Charlize Theron’s dress choice for the Golden Globes this year. From ‘stunning’ to ‘breathtaking’ to ‘unfinished’ nearly everything could be read. I think the cut of her black and green Dior dress is almost impeccable, sexy, and flatters her slim frame. Would it be cream or apricot-colored, it could have been the perfect gown for her. But I think that particular green makes her look like a bottle of poison.

Image result for Golden Globes 2020 Charlize Theron dress

 


No-No – My opinion:

In this overblown and feathery pink monstrosity beautiful, Sofia Carson looks like exploded cotton candy.

Image result for Golden Globes 2020 Sofia Carson dress

 

Stunning Taylor Swift usually has impeccable taste when it comes to presenting herself the best. But this time she failed. Her green Etro Couture gown presents huge busy yellow blossoms that turn the wide princess dress with the cut-out into a monstrous pile of fabric that seems to swallow the singer. ‘Shake it off,’ Taylor!

Kerry Washington wore an Altuzzara design in black and combined it with a chain that started at her chest, ‘divided’ her chest into two, and showed far more than it should. The plunge line, in this case, was far overdone, even more in combination with the sky-high slit in the skirt. I’m sorry, but in my opinion, she looks like she just came straight from work – in a brothel.

Image result for Golden Globes 2020 Kerry Washington dress

This next picture here shows one of the two outfits that I could not find any positive reviews for. ‘Leftover Christmas present’ and ‘disastrous look’ were the nicest. One look, and I could barely hold back a burst of irresistible laughter. While the monstrous gold and green bow in the front helped to wrap the torso of the singer in a bizarre way, the bottom white skirt part looked like a bed-sheet after a college party.  Oh – NO, J-Lo!

Image result for Golden Globes 2020 Jennifer Lopez dress

And here it is: on my list, it’s the number one worst dress of the evening. Welcome, Gwyneth Paltrow. When I looked at her, I literally shook my head, rubbed my eyes, and looked again. I couldn’t believe that’s for real. She wears nothing underneath a practically sheer brown laced and ruffled tulle-dress (not counting two different necklaces which looks like a child had dressed her). Why didn’t she just show up naked? It would have saved her getting into that sheer dumb fabric. If one could oversee her being naked underneath, which is practically impossible, but IF one could ignore it, in that rag, she looks like an 1870 workbasket.

Image result for Golden Globes 2020 Gwyneth Paltrow dress

Image result for Golden Globes 2020 Gwyneth Paltrow dress

I hope very much you had fun with these pictures and a recap of the Golden Globes 2020 red-carpet with my personal comments. If you have something to add, please do so in the comments below. I’m curious about your opinion.