Best Red Carpet Looks of 2016

It’s no secret 2016 was a rough year. For me, it was one full of changes, challenges and learning experiences. Although I haven’t had much time to post lately, I couldn’t miss my annual list of some of my favourite red carpet looks of the year. It may have been a shitty year for many but on a brighter and lighter note there were still some amazing red carpet looks. Cindy Crawford makes my list (of course) and once again Cate Blanchett gets several mentions. Here’s to a happier 2017! 

Jennifer Lopez in Giambattisa Valli (Golden Globes – January)

Lopez wowed us at the Golden Globes at the beginning of the year in this vibrant, beautifully cut, glamorous and luxurious gown. Loved the half cape and the draping. It was a nice change from all the other sheer, tight and sparkly dresses we’ve seen her in a million times. The whole look was lovely and chic. And that lipstick with the mustard yellow colour was killer.

Cate Blanchett in Givenchy Haute Couture (Golden Globes – January)

Many fashion insiders thought Blanchett’s Givenchy fringe gown was one of the year’s best and I agreed. The way it moved was incredible. It’s what we’ve come to expect from the talented star on the red carpet – elaborate and artistic gowns that are meant for a museum. Blanchett gets fashion as art and this dress was no exception.

Cate Blanchett in Alexander McQueen (BAFTAS – February)

Blanchett wore this unbelivable Alexander McQueen gown with floral appliqué bodice and black feathered skirt to the BAFTA’s and it was outstanding. The details and materials are impeccable – it’s a work of art. In my original blog post in February, I said this would be one of the best dresses of the year – and I was right! The  diamond drop earrings and diamond cuff from the Tiffany & Co. Blue Book collection were equally amazing. I’ve always said Blanchett chooses dresses that belong at The Met’s Costume Institute and this dress is a good example.

Cate Blanchett in Armani Privé (Oscars – February) 

Blanchett once again made a statement this year at the Oscars in this seafoam green (not an easy colour) Armani Privé  cap-sleeve embellished gown that included Swarovski crystals and white feathers. It reminded me of the Armani Privé gown she worn when she won the Oscar two years ago. That night she presented the award for Best Costume Design and the dress couldn’t have been more perfect. Also, I loved the Tiffany & Co bracelet and earrings. Check out my Oscar recap on CTV for more.

Margot Robbie in Tom Ford (Oscars – February) 

Robbie’s gold snakeskin Tom Ford long column gown was one of my favourites that night. Long sleeve dresses on the red carpet are highly underrated and the dress was well accessorized with that incredibly cool clutch with a long tassel by The Row.

Rooney Mara in Givenchy Haute Couture (Oscars – February) 

Initially this wasn’t one of my top looks at the Oscars this year but the dress grew on me. The detail and material were beautiful. It was soft and edgy at the same time, and beautifully cut. But Mara is always so morose and serious, it’s annoying. She needs to smile more in 2017.

Amal Clooney Yves Saint Laurent at the (Berlin Film Festival – February)

Amal Clooney is always on point and knows how to play the red carpet style game. For opening of the Berlin Film Festival earlier this year, she wisely chose a vintage floor length Yves Saint Laurent gown and it was stunning. This gown is the definition of elegance. The sheer tulle overlay with a ruffled hem was very classic YSL. It’s interesting how great design (the dress was made in 1981) can be classic yet modern and directional at the same time. It was covered in 10,000 sequins and it doesn’t get much fancier than that.

Cindy Crawford in Balmain (Met Gala – May)

We saw a lot of the legendary supermodel is 2016 and she looked gorgeous and ageless in this mirrored curve-hugging dress with sheer panels. This is one of Crawford’s best red carpet looks ever. On a night where so many other stars and models wore silver gowns, the iconic supermodel stole the show and sparkled above all the rest (looking at you Kardashians). And it was cool she was Olivier Rousteing’s date after starring in the recent Balmain campaign with fellow supermodels Naomi Campbell and Claudia Schiffer earlier in the year.

Rachel McAdams in Valentino (Met Gala – May)

2016 was a big year for Valentino and this was not only one of the best looks this year at the Met Gala, it’s one of the best dresses McAdams has ever worn. I loved the gold-beaded embellishment on the top and the slightly sheer skirt, which was masterfully embroidered with lines from Dante’s Divine Comedy. A beautiful – and totally original – gown.

Julianne Moore in Alexander McQueen (Cannes – May)

This gold low cut Alexander McQueen gown was stunning – a perfectly chic and luxurious gown for Cannes. And totally something Joan Collins would have worn in the 80s – which makes it even cooler! I loved the sheer detail around the neckline, the ruffled sleeves and how the black panels on the skirt helped elongate the gown. Also, the long Chopard diamond earrings were equally amazing.

Amal Clooney in Atelier Versace (Cannes – May)

Leave it to Amal Clooney to make a Versace gown look so elegant (not a quality we typically associate with Versace). Clooney has amazing taste and she stunned on the red carpet this year at Cannes. She moved in the dress beautiful, giving the whole look had a timeless and elegant vibe.

Charlize Theron in Dior Haute Couture (Cannes – May)

Theron stunned and majorly impressed in this classic look. Nothing is more chic than a woman in a tuxedo on the red carpet. I loved everything about it. The open unbuttoned shirt, the pulled back hair parted in the middle and diamond necklace. One of the best looks this year at Cannes and once of my all time favourite looks on Theron.

Beyoncé in Francesco Scognamiglio Couture (MTV VMAs – September) 

Beyoncé made one of her best red carpet appearances ever at the Grammys this year in this stunning and elaborate couture gown by Italian designer Francesco Scognamiglio. The dress was just featured at Scognamiglio’s debut couture collection during Fall 2016 Couture week – see it here. Topping off the sheer, skin-tight crystal gown was a diamond embellished belt and an unbelievable sweeping feathered collar that will be remembered for years to come.

Sarah Paulson in Prada (Emmys – September)

One of the night’s biggest winners at this year’s Emmys, Paulson was also one of the best dressed. She looked better than ever and super chic in this beaded green Prada gown. Embroidered in multi coloured crystals and stones, the dress looked like a piece of jewelry. And I looove jewelry. Her long diamond Art Deco earrings were also incredible.

Kerry Washington in Brandon Maxwell (Emmys – September)

One of the year’s most brave looks goes to Washington, who’s always exciting to watch on the red carpet. She’s clever with her style choices but she’s also fun. This custom bustier gown with side cut-outs and train by Brandon Maxwell was a good example of having fun with fashion, while still being well dressed. The wild curly Diana Ross-like hair and minimal accessories was also well played.

Michelle Obama in Atelier Versace (State Dinner – October)

Michelle Obama has been impressing us for eight years with her careful and tasteful fashion choices. Not only an incredibly smart and charming woman, she has amazing style. At her final state dinner, Michelle wowed in rose gold chain mail gown with draping details created especially for her by Donatella Versace. And she looked unbelievable. The dress reminded me of some of chain mail collection Gianni Versace did in the early nineties back in the supermodel days. This dress exuded confidence and Michelle nailed it. I think she was sending us  a message in the dress. And I’m happy she did.

That’s a wrap for 2016! Thanks for reading as always and I promise to post more throughout 2017. Wishing you all a happy and safe New Year!