Good, Bad or Ugh – Fashion Sense on the Red Carpet
Council of Fashion Designers of America Awards 2016
By Meher Castelino
Considered to be the ‘Oscars of Fashion’, the Council of Fashion Designers of America Awards 2016 supported by Swarovski for the 15th consecutive year was a gala event held for the first time at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City.One would expect that it being the event by THE Council of Fashion Designers, some sensational couture and styles would rock the event.
The High Priestesses of the fashion kingdom were there, and so were the inhabitants of Front Rows, the celebrities, the fashion influencers, style queens. To cut the long list short, I noted a few styles that I loved and some that were truly disturbing. Tell me if you confirm with my rating.
THE FABULOUS TWELVE
1. ALEK WEK
The ivory and ebony plunge neck, pleated, midi dress was just perfect for AlekWek the top international model for the past decade.Rating – 7/10
2. ALICIA SILVERSTONE
No one can go wrong with a red high slit gown and Alicia Silverstone kept it stark to make the maximum impact. Rating – 7/10
3. ANNA CLEVELAND
A stunning black jumpsuit topped with an ice blue shimmering jacket was finished with striped silver booties and a white long scarf. How chic is that? Rating – 8/10
4. ANNA WINTOUR
The Queen of Fashion media preferred a simple silhouette to highlight the flora and birds embroidery that covered the front of her gown. Minus the sun shades Lady Anna would have scored higher.Rating – 6/10
5. BEE SCHAFFER
Matching Anna Wintour’s nature inspired gown, Bee Schaffer’s blue empire line, orange tree print, maxi with a gold sequinned cascading collar had a feminine appeal. Rating – 6.5/10’
6. ERIC JAVITS
Nothing like a sharply cut tuxedo for a great impact. This one was for the HITS. Rating – 7.5/10
7. HEIDI KLUM
The two-tone, one-sholuder, blouse with a hint of shimmer worn with a sleek white draped skirt presented a classic look. Rating – 7.5/10
8. JENNIFER HUDSON
When the lady is wearing a Kaufman Franco jumpsuit with nearly 1.7 million Swarovski crystals what can you do but remain speechless. Though the silhouette was not the most flattering for Ms Hudson.Rating – 8/10
9. MICHELE HICKS
Electric blue and black, sheer and solid came together seamlessly for this utterly elegant creation that was just perfect for the Red Carpet.Rating – 8.5/10
10. NADIA SWAROVSKI
It’s red again for a plunge neck cape gown with a high slit that made a stunning impact. Rating – 8/10
11. RACHEL ROY
Another red one-shoulder, bell sleeve, column gown was allowed to make an arresting fashion statement with the minimum of accessories. Rating – 8/10
12. RACHEL ZOE
Pearls and crystals were splashed lavishly all over a retro 1920’s inspired gown that was a treasure chest of gems. Rating – 7/10
WHAT-WERE-YOU-THINKING DOZEN
1. ALLEXXANDRO MICHELE
Don’t know what the award was for, but hope it was not for this pink suit. Rating – 3/10
2. BETSEY JOHNSON
This has to be the perfect look for the quirky designer but it doesn’t score high on the well-dressed charts.
Rating – 3/10
3. CHIARA
Ruffles, ruffles and more ruffles, it’s a relief there was some leg show to distract from this confused creation.
Rating – 3/10
4. DI MONDO
Mulitcoloured checks and circles print for a suit along with black giant peak lapels and bell bottom trousers. Is the circus in town? Rating -2/10
5. DIANA VON FURSTENBERG
Where’s the very sexy wrap dress for the pioneer of this silhouette? A black drop waist sack is a total no-no at any time and definitely for the iconic designer! Rating – 3/10
6. HARI NEF
Animal lovers are always welcome but not with a ferocious black beast growling and rampaging on the bust of an ethereal pale green tulle gown. Rating – 2.5/10
7. SOFIE SACHEZ DE BETAK
Skin show can be quite sexy if the figure matches the look, otherwise it’s a wasted effort Rating – 2/10
8. SOPHIE KENNEDY CLARK
A sharply cut tweed suit is always an asset but a badly cut one is an embarrassment. Rating – 3/10
9. STACY BENDET
This Frieda Kahlo inspired cum Mardi Gras halter gown would work at the Rio Olympics. Rating – 3/10
10. STEVEN KOLB
Not a bad tuxedo jacket design with the abstract embroidery. Only a better fit would have helped. Rating – 4/10
11. THOM BROWNE
Oops! Shorts + tuxedo + waistcoat + no socks. All great for summer in Australia, which is on the other side of the globe but not for the Red Carpet at a Fashion Awards night? Rating – 3/10
12. TILDA SWINTON
Lady Bond strikes with this stark heavily embroidered jacket and skin tight pants with shimmering side bands Rating – 4/10
