Every award show has its share of hits and misses on the red carpet. And the Emmys are no exception. While many stars play it increasingly safe these days with the help of their stylists, there are still some who are willing to take a chance and make a statement. But I miss the Sex and the City days, because few stars put in the consistent effort as much as Sarah Jessica Parker (Carrie Bradshaw). Thankfully this year, Lady Gaga showed up.
Lady Gaga in Brandon Maxwell
Beautiful! Old school Hollywood glamour (not something we often associate with the star). I lOVE this paired down look and think this might be the best Lady Gaga has ever looked on a red carpet. Brandon Maxwell is her stylist and just made his NYFW debut. And a red carpet appearance like this has definitely put the new designer on the map. The one-shouldered gown featured a side paneling detail that works perfectly. Her simple accessories and side-swept blonde hair were the right choice for such an elegant look.
Kerry Washington in Marc Jacobs
This. Is. Fashion. This silver mesh gown (literally fresh off the runway at NYFW) is the kind of dress that makes it exciting to watch the red carpet. It’s a piece of art but also sexy and cool. The detail is impeccable – check out how the silver turns into gold at the hemline. Washington has great taste and almost always nails it and this glittery dress is especially special. Also, nice choice on the shoes.
Taraji P. Henson in Alexander Wang
This custom black lace gown with bike-chain straps was super cool and perfect for Henson. It also incorporates a few trends we’re seeing this fall. It’s sexy and almost has a goth-style quality to it, which is in vogue this fall. The chain detail is also edgy and well done. And the angled bob looks great on her too.
Tatiana Maslany in Bouchra Jarrar Couture
A crisp white pantsuit is simple, chic and fresh for the red carpet. I think this was definitely a style standout of this night. Some people didn’t like the tailoring but I liked the fit. The under-the-radar French designer, Bouchra Jarrar, is known for chic day wear and this was an impressive look. The black heels and and slicked back hair also worked well.
Taylor Schilling in Stella McCartney
There was quite a bit of colour on the red carpet but I think this bright-yellow pleated dress was the best. It was a lovely and happy dress. The colour looked incredible on Schilling and I loved the ribbing and the interesting neckline. And strong red lipstick was the perfect compliment to the vibrant gown. My friend Hung Vanngo is a super successful makeup artist and he did her make-up – so kudos Hung!
Ellie Kemper in Naeem Khan
An interesting dress and beautifully detailed that’s suited the super funny comedian well. That’s some pretty major beading and it’s always nice to see something so different from all the other gowns on the red carpet. For many, this would be a hard dress to pull off but Kemper does it well – without the dress wearing her. Thumbs up!
Christina Hendricks in Naeem Khan
I love the black and gold combo. The suits two colours are made for each other. I also love long sleeve dresses on the red carpet. And this was a great dress on Hendricks. She has such a beautiful figure and the dress showed every curve. She also looked happy and confident which is always nice to see.
Jaimie Alexander in Armani Prive
I not sure who Jamie Alexander is but this unbelievable dress had to be mentioned. The design. The colour range. The construction. It’s masterful. And I bet Cate Blanchett wished she got a hold of it first. It’s pretty much made for her.
January Jones in Ulyana Sergeenko
Seventies-inspired fashion is huge right now and that’s what first came to mind when I saw Jones on the red carpet (check out the gold platform shoes). Jones rarely plays it safe on the red carpet and this teal green jumpsuit from Ulyana Sergeenko’s Fall 2015 Couture collection was no exception. The vibrant colour was striking but I liked the look on the runway more.
Amy Schumer in Zac Posen
Schumer is so funny and talented, and has had a hugely successful year. But this look was…well, not good. The dress didn’t seem to fit right. And I didn’t get the messy hair. But her makeup was awesome – and I loved that Schumer thanked her makeup artist for the “gorgeous smoky eye” in her acceptance speech.
Sofia Vergara in Saint John
Vergara is nothing but predictable and she always the same thing on the red carpet. But what was surprising was the fact that this was Saint John. Since when does Saint John (known for clothes wealthy women over 65 wear to the country club) do sexy?! Re-brand perhaps?
Heidi Klum in Versace
Ummm… What is this? I’m pretty sure this ended up on everyone’s worst dressed list because how could it not? Klum wears Versace a lot on the red carpet and I don’t often love what her choices but this was SO bad. It makes no sense. I don’t understand how this can happen. Between Donatella and her design team and the stylists, I’m floored this ends up being the end product. I always say that Versace has never been the same since Gianni passed away and this dress is a perfect example.
Andy Samberg in Giorgio Armani
I have to mention at least one of the dapperly dressed gents on the red carpet and host Samberg looked super cool in this Armani black geometric print two-button dinner jacket. Also loved the bow tie and black patent shoes. A great look all around – and I totally want it.
All photos via instyle.com
Casey Wagar 