Red and variations thereof ruled over the red carpet for 2011. A continuation from the Golden Globes. Anne Hathaway went through numerous gown changes throughout the night, but she made her entrance in a Valentino gown with a poufed train. She thanked the designer right on the carpet with a kiss. Natalie Portman looked as gorgeous as a very pregnant woman (and most non-pregnant women) could ever hope to look in a flattering merlot gown by Rodarte. She showed allegiance to the designers who designed several notable costumes for her winning Oscar film Black Swan. Last year's Best Actress award winner swept the carpet in a statuesque Vera Wang gown. Jennifer Hudson rocked her new body in a tomato shade of Atelier Versace. Penelope Cruz smoldered in a body conscious sequin embroidered L'Wren Scott dress.
Embellished nude and neutrals were a close runner up. Gwyneth Paltrow split the yay/nay vote with the sequin embroidered sheath by Calvin Klein. I personally thought she was missing an entourage of Muppets al Grammy Awards. Halle Berry was a favorite of many critics in an embroidered tulle gown with dramatic train from Marchesa. Nicole Kidman was stunning as usual in a proper couture embroidered Dior gown.
Pretty in pink, lilac or lavender. In a pre-cursor to spring, some of my favorite gowns of the night were (gasp!) pastel. Hailee Steinfeld wore a crystal embroidered gown with a full tulle skirt that made her look ladylike, but completely appropriate for her age. Marchesa wins again on this one. Mila Kunis made her turn down the red carpet with a sexy but feminine frock by Elie Saab. The strategic georgette draped panels and placement of delicate lace was provocative, but forgiving. The gorgeous color served to enhance her strong features. The lilac Haute Couture Givenchy on Cate Blanchett will be controversial among mainstream critics. However, all of the designers and industry elite were spanking themselves when the camera panned her gown. The rigid shoulder and waist cinch framed the soft, shirred bodice and skirt with hand embroidered stones and beads. The acid yellow spot color of beading around the neck was surprising, keeping the gown from taking itself too seriously.
For anyone who knows me, they know I always root for the fashion underdogs. I love the rebel and the women who dare to flaunt the unexpected. Marisa Tomei brought out a legendary designer, mostly forgotten by modern generations. She wore a refitted Charles James Lily and Cie gown from 1950. The gown's satin bustier and miles of organza skirt was like a museum piece brought to life.
Helena Bonham Carter deliberately likes to turn her nose up at the fashion police. She bypassed the traditional fashion designers and had long-time Tim Burton collaborator (and Oscar winner) Colleen Atwood make her gown. It was an avant-garde, somewhat Gothic gown of black velvet and satin. On the red carpet, she pulled up her skirt in a suggestive with with sassy wink to reveal a British flag. This was her personal support for her film, the King's Speech. It must have worked, the film took home Best Actor, Director and Film.
Photos from Getty, OK! Magazine
was a legendary artist who elevated the craft of fashion illustration into fine art. His paintings graced posters, magazines like Vogue and Harper's Bazaar and some of the most iconic fashion advertising of the century. My illustration professors at Parsons worshipped him along with many of my fellow students. 
" campaigns of earlier years were painted by Gruau.
also credits it's creative direction to Gruau.
