After more than 40 years, TIFF has proved to be a major force in terms star power – and style statements. Practically everyone shows up. They all seem to love Toronto. As the importance of the festival continues to skyrocket, so do the memorable fashion moments. Although I didn’t get to see many stars in person (except for Drake), here’s a rundown of some of the most talked about looks. Once again, Nicole Kidman remains the one to watch. That Valentino retro multi-patterned dress was killer.
Angelina Jolie in in Ralph & Russo
One of her first major red carpet appearances since the big breakup, Jolie looked lovely as usual (not that it’s hard for her to do so). Ralph & Russo is a new red carpet favorite among the top stylists lately. Love earrings too.
Rosamund Pike in in Alexander McQueen
A+. Incredible. Love it. You can’t argue with this look. It’s PERFECT. And expensive looking. The dark red lips and minimal accessories were a wise choice for a dress as detailed and intricate as this. So beautiful and chic.
Emma Stone in Tom Ford
A chic and good looking dress – very Tom Ford. I like the simplicity and gold chain detail of this sheath dress. It’s refined and wearable. But I would’ve picked different shoes. There’s something about them that feels too stiff. Something more dramatic and fun would’ve helped make the look younger and more suitable to Stone’s personality.
Nicole Kidman in Oscar de la Renta
Another solid look on Kidman. Love the romantic and feminine silhouette of this dress. he ankle strap heels are also the perfect choice and compliment the look well. But there’s something off with the hair. A sleek low ponytail with long dramatic drop earrings would have been cooler than a relatively unexciting diamond necklace and earrings. I also would have gone with dark red lips. Am I right or am I right?!
Julianne Moore in Christian Dior
I thought some looks this year were almost too dressy for TIFF. It’s not Cannes or Venice and that’s what makes it so great because it doesn’t try to be. So I appreciated Moore’s short white Dior coat dress with a slight flare on the lapel. Moore (with her stylist) gets it.
Jessica Chastain in Zuhair Murad
Normally I was say that a red embroidered Zuhair Murad gown iss a little much for the day, Chastain looked too beautiful to say anything negative about this whole look. She looked beautiful. Loved the relaxed long flowing hair and strong red lips.
Nicole Kidman in Valentino
Nicole Kidman in Valentino. Need we say more? On many stars, this colourful mix-patterned dress would totally overwhelm them. But as we’ve seen time and time before, Kidman owns it. And looked incredible.
Jennifer Lawrence in Dolce & Gabbana
I like this for the most part but don’t love the ribbon on the corset. It’s feels unnecessary and takes away from the amazing crystal-embellished skirt, which is super chic and cool. Love the hair and dramatic eye makeup though.
Carey Mulligan in Chanel
I’m into this chic and relatively simple look for a film festival. While this Chanel number was slightly conservative, it suits to the talented actress and she seemed comfortable. I’m sure most people hate the contrasting leather double C belt but I like it. And I want one.
Evan Rachel Wood in Stella McCartney
Kudos to Wood for making a point of wearing pants on the red carpet (because women don’t have to wear dresses) and I love the idea of two-piece pinstripe suit but this is an ‘almost but not quite’ for me. The boots were off and it was trying too hard to be edgy.
Lady Gaga in Lanotta Studio
Of course Lady Gaga wore this… Actually, she’s tamed down her wild dressing games lately so this felt almost unexpected. Turns out the look was designed by her little sister Natali Germanotta’s line, Lanotta Studio. Not sure who else would wear this layered and flared look but was cool of her to support family.
Kate Winslet in Badgley Mischka
Winslet always looks perfectly nice but this dress is about as exciting as a Kardashian wearing something completely see-through. So, not at all…
Elisabeth Moss in Rochas
See above. Moss has been sticking to close her character’s wardrobe from Mad Men and she can do better.
Margot Robbie in in Erdem
Robbie looked light and fresh in this beautiful and flowing long sleeve floral gown. Loved that she chose to wear Erdem, who was born in Montreal and studied fashion design at Ryerson. Erdem Moralioglu started his line in 2005 and is now based in London.
Rachel McAdams in in Elie Saab
Love McAdams and she’s a true Canadian treasure but this dress seemed a little much TIFF. This is way more suited to the Cannes Film Festival where extravagance is valued. I think something shorter and more fun would have made more sense. Having said, McAdams can make almost anything work.
Luke Evans in
HELLO!!! Such a crush on this guy. He looks great and the suits fits well but when you’re this good looking you could be a bit more adventurous. Not like Jerod Leto in Gucci adventurous but something slightly more colouful. Take a risk! Avans can pull it off.
That’s wrap! As always, thanks for reading.
Casey Wagar 