Sarah Paulson in Prada, Kerry Washington in Brandon Maxwell, Padma Lakshmi in Naeem Khan and Priyanka Chopra in Jason Wu at the 2016 Emmys (photos via people.com)
Fall awards season began with the Emmys as the best in TV was celebrated on Sunday night. There were some stellar and memorable looks but I felt like overall, the red carpet was missing the kind of excitement that happened back in the days when Sarah Jessica Parker would show up in something amazing (when Sex and the City was on HBO). The vibe this year was generally lacking. If only my gal Jane Fonda showed up. She makes every red carpet better. Now on to the fashion recap…
Sarah Paulson in Prada
One of the night’s biggest winners, Paulson was also one of the best dressed. She came to play, looking amazing and super chic in this beaded green Prada gown. Embroidered in multi coloured crystals and stones, the dress looked like a piece of jewellery. Her long diamond Art Deco earrings were incredible and the perfect accessory with such a unique dress.
Kerry Washington in Brandon Maxwell
Washington is always an exciting one to watch on the red carpet. She has so much sass. But she’s clever with her style choices. Case in point, this custom bustier gown with side cutouts and train by Brandon Maxwell, who was lady Gaga’s stylist and has been on everyone’s raydar since Lady Gaga wore one of his designs to the Emmys last year. Loved the wild curly Diana Ross-like hair and minimal accessories. The look was cool and fun. And fashion should be fun.
Priyanka Chopra in Jason Wu
Red dresses can be hard to wear on the red carpet but the gorgeous actress stunned in this one flowing one-shoulder Grecian-inspired gown paired with Brian Atwood heels. But like Claire Danes’ dress, I thought the neckline was slightly off here or didn’t quite work as well as it could have.
Kristin Bell in Zuhair Murad
Bell sort of bugs me – I think she thinks she’s very special. But I’ll always give credit where credit is due and she looks lovely in this floral embroidered gown with plunging neckline. The whole look was well styled with the easy flowy hair and soft makeup. The Harry Winston jewels were impressive too. Probably her best red carpet appearance.
Claire Danes in Schiaparelli Haute Couture
Danes isn’t my favourite but she often makes a statement on the red carpet. And this time is no different. This gold beaded couture gown is pretty outstanding. But I’m not sure about that crisscross neckline. It’s odd and the extra piece of material doesn’t seem necessary. And the spray tan was a little much,
Tracee Ellis Ross in Ralph Lauren
Ross is hilarious and seems super cool. She’s also a great dresser. While I love a good one shoulder gown but I’m kind over the side cutouts – and it also doesn’t seem very on-brand for Ralph Lauren. Love the diamond sparkling feather-motif earrings, probably the best jewellery of the night.
Kirsten Dunst in Givenchy Haute Couture
This beaded black gown was interesting and intricate and I love the sheer sequin stripes on the skirt but I felt like I should’ve liked this dress more than I actually did. Maybe it wasn’t the best choice for her. Cate Blanchett would have rocked it,
Mandy Moore in Prabal Gurung
Moore looked beautiful and super stylish in this sleeveless tangerine dress with high neckline. I was surprised it was Prabal Gurung because the layered tiered ruffles are very Gucci. It had a distinct 70s vibe but it was modern and fresh at the same time. The makeup was also on point. Well played.
Emilia Clarke in Atelier Versace
This nude strapless gown was pretty simple for Versace standards. Apparently it was chainmail and I imagine was much cooler in person than it photographed. The colour was too close to her skin so the whole look didn’t have a lot of impact. And she and her stylist could have stepped it up with the jewellery. Long diamond pendant earrings would’ve have been a better choice.
Taraji P. Henson in Vera Wang
Normally Taraji P. Henson nails it on the red carpet but this simple yellow gown with high slit was about as plain as you can get. The minimal accessories didn’t help either. She even looked bored with it. And what’s up with that hair?! It looks like it dried after she was in the pool.
Padma Lakshmi in Naeem Khan
Incredible. Love this silver sequin gown. It’s super chic. I especially like how the cut and silhouette were relatively simple with material this eye catching. Long sleeve dresses are for sure underrated. The minimal accessories, pulled back hair and fuchsia lips worked perfectly as well.
Angela Bassett in Christian Siriano
Bassett looked incredible in this vibrant v-neck cape sleeve gown. Not an easy colour to wear but she nailed it. It was fresh and chic. Her hair and makeup was great too.
Tina Fey in Oscar de la Renta
I looove Tina Fey and she looked pretty but I also thought the whole look was a little too Real Housewife-y. Something about the hairstyle and dress colour. But those Lorraine Schwartz emerald earrings are crazy! They were 100 carats in total. Can you imagine? The kind of jewels Elizabeth Taylor would have loved.
Julia Louis Dreyfus in Carolina Herrera
The talented comedian (who seems like she wins every year) is always pretty safe on the red carpet but she knows what works for her and I liked how the sweetness of the polka dots was balanced out with the leather criss-cross details at the bodice.
Millie Bobby Brown In REDValentino
How cute is this dress on the young actress who starred in my new favourite show – Stranger Things. SO GOOD. If you haven’t seen it yet, you’re for sure missing out. Back to the dress, it’s age appropriate and the embroidered hummingbirds are especially charming. Nicely done. But what’s up with the purple ruffle dress in the background?? Unfortunate to say the least.
Viola Davis in Marchesa
Davis looked pretty but I feel like she always wears the same ball gown. And that’s exactly what this – a ball gown. And I feel like ball gowns are something socialites wear to fundraisers at the Rtiz Carlton in Palm Beach. But she’s legendary on How to Get Away with Murder – one of the best TV shows today.
Heidi Klum in Michael Kors
It seems like Klum purposely picks dresses she knows will get panned. And this is just bad. And dumb. It’s way too much skin and looks more Versace than Michael Kors. But as Karl Lagerfeld said, “She was NEVER in Paris.”
Anna Chlumsky in Christian Siriano
What is there to say about a dress like this? Apparently the designer said he and Anna Chlumsky knew most people wouldn’t get it. So why bother? How does this even happen? It couldn’t be more unflattering if it tried. It’s like one of the worst dresses ever. And what’s up with that fabric? It literally looks like barf. Which is very very unfortunate.
That’s a wrap. As always, thanks for reading. Stay tune for all the fashion hits this year at TIFF!
Casey Wagar 