'Avatar' blues and serious greys

PHYL CLARKEpasses judgment on the red carpet parade

THE FASHION circus was back in town on Sunday night with the stars dressed up for the party of the year.

Secretly we all wish for dress disasters to console ourselves that all the money and choice in the world doesn’t ensure red-carpet success.

Designers want a show-stopping dress that makes their movie star shine, but don’t want to stop the show for the wrong reasons, ensuring a place on the worst dressed list and possible blacklisting from next year’s awards.

There were a few strong trends this year – fashionable and flattering nude shades were the safe bet, but Avatar blue was seen on quite a few, although it didn’t herald huge success for the movie. Statement jewellery was very evident in the form of earrings and brooches, but most necks were bare of bling, with the exception of Kate Winslet, whose Tiffany pendat (rumoured to be worth over $2 million) perfectly complemented her graphic metallic YSL gown. The asymmetrical one shoulder was also popular, adding height and glamour – this look worked so much better than some of the strapless numbers that either looked too low on the body (Rachel McAdams) or were so tight they looked painful (Miley Cyrus, Kathryn Bigelow). One of the only prints on the night was a Dries Van Noten painterly sheath worn by Maggie Gyllenhaal, who looked cool and understated. Nicole Richie was Hollywood-hip in a retro gown kept modern with simple hair and make-up.

Grey was another popular shade, conveying “serious artist”. There was a trend in futuristic fabrics, which misssed by a mile. Designer of the night was Marchesa, with perfectly pitched dresses that got the mix just right.