At this point, awards season is well underway and we have reached the Critics Choice Awards. These awards are almost a stepping stone between the Golden Globes and the Oscars (in terms of cinema) and the red carpet often represents that, with many celebrities giving us half-hearted attempts at fashion. Even so, on this occasion there were a handful of incredibly memorable looks (not all for the right reasons) and as always we'll wrap up at the end with a Top 3 and Worst 3.
I do feel that a lot of the guests went for a more laid back approach, as they were likely saving their better looks for the EMMY's the following night - although let's be real, at this level, you can make the time and effort to put together more than one inspired look - however some attendees still showed up and made up for those that didn't bring the fashion moments. So let's begin by looking at those: the best dressed of the night.
Best Dressed
1/13
Dua Lipa in Prada
Part of me sees the Lady Gaga meat dress, but I'm not mad about it. This look feels very experimental and conceptual, which is rare for Prada. I'm very excited to see such an outside-the-box look from Prada, who have clearly demonstrated the perfect way to create a simple, immaculately fitting dress, with no fuss or too much going on, that is still full of drama and intrigue.
2/13
Colman Domingo in custom Valentino
I love seeing men in colour on the red carpet. This entire ensemble is exquisite, from the simple yet bold gold/mustard suit, paired with a matching heeled boot and a complementing baby blue shirt (unbuttoned more than halfway). The way this suit is styled by itself is bold and sexy as it is, but Valentino said "Wait, we're not done yet" and added this gorgeous golden jacket, with a captivating shrunken foil effect, which - placed casually over Colman's shoulders - looks so effortlessly regal and chic. This is mens red carpet style at its best.
3/13
Bel Powley in Chanel SS23 Couture
After going back and forth, I think I really do love this look. The shape of the dress is so feminine and timeless, and although it is white Chanel Haute Couture, it doesn't feel overly bridal. I think the jacket and bow tie features are fun and balance the outfit perfectly.
4/13
Billie Eilish in Thom Browne
This is a really brilliant display of tailoring with different components that don't usually go together, yet here it creates a harmonious masterpiece. The fit, shape and proportions are all magnificent and the layering of the black dress over what is likely another white dress is really bold.
5/13
Ali Wong in Givenchy
This piece to me is just classic beauty, a divine yet simple gown. The almost emerald green doesn't look tacky, cheap or overly festive and it's more than just a simple print dress. The gorgeous floral motif is displayed conservatively, yet Givenchy ensured the pattern remained present on the lower section of the dress - which is covered by a floor-length sheer panel, which drops down from the waist of the gown - for continuation.
6/13
Sandra Oh in Harbison Studio
Sandra Oh Yes !!! This is exactly what I want from a celebrity fashion moment. This gown is not trying to be anything more than itself, it is refined, extremely elegant and doing one thing perfectly, yet it is still truly compelling thanks to its floral embellishment at the core and its gathered halter neck style which leaves me curious.
7/13
Margot Robbie in Balmain
A rare jaw dropping moment for Margot Robbie. We have seen a few Balmain pieces - including vintage - on the red carpet this awards season and I'm loving it. The technique used to create this wet leather look is one that Balmain have mastered, you may remember seeing it on the gown Zendaya wore at Venice Film Festival in 2021 for the Dune premiere. Here it looks wonderful, bringing dimension and texture to a bold red dress, which is an amazing colour on Margot, with the cluster of 3-dimensional roses across the entire neckline and straps of the gown.
8/13
Ariana Greenblatt in Louis Vuitton
I am as shocked as you are to see a Louis Vuitton red carpet look on the best dressed list, but Ariana in this look is such a moment. The tiered skirts in different patterns balance out the silhouette with some femininity, contrasting with the almost dominatrix energy of the leather bodice. The bodice creates a great shape and is adorned with coloured gemstone buttons, which somehow pair really well with the bottom half of the dress.
9/13
Matt Bomer in custom Berluti
Blue blue blue, I LOVE IT. This fit is so beautiful and a perfect example of classic tailoring and timeless style. Even thought it creates such a bold look, the continuation of the blue for all the pieces of the suit is really simple and understated. The addition of the cummerbund is an uncommon choice but it really adds to the dimensions. The entire look is incredibly sexy.
10/13
Greta Lee in Loewe
This is the third fabulous look from Greta this awards season, each one bringing a completely different style and energy. This look confirmed to me that the Critics Choice Awards were a much more casual red carpet which Greta nailed with a glittering - quite literally - attempt at women in menswear. There is a slight issue with the fit, as this look was intended for a male model's body.
11/13
Charles Melton in Valentino
This suit really is gorgeous, the shade of red complements Charles really well and I'm obsessed with the white lining for some contrast and to match the shirt inside the jacket. Although I enjoy this look as a whole, I really hate the tie (are we still not over this trend yet) and there was a major issue with the fit at the bottom of the trousers - there needs to be a conversation around hemming trousers for mens looks ASAP.
12/13
Aja Naomi King in Oscar De La Renta
I almost always love an Oscar De La Renta look and this one is no exception. I'm really excited to see this colour - almost a candy pink - show up more often after all the shades of pink (hot pink, pastels or blush, baby pink) we've been seeing thanks to the Barbie movie. This look plays into the cutout trend in a really elegant way and leans into the current trend of bows but feels surprisingly classic/timeless for such a bold and trendy statement.
13/13
Camila Morrone in Chanel
The ripped and torn effect of this dress creates a subtly distressed look which makes this dress less bridal and more wearable for this type of occasion. Once again we have almost a peplum skirt which creates a double layered skirt that makes Camila's legs look really long. The top of this gown is ultra feminine and chic whilst remaining understated.
I think it's safe to say that there were genuinely some great and memorable looks, more than previous carpets this season, but not everyone hit the mark. Although, just because some attendees weren't on my best dressed list, doesn't mean they make the worst dressed. Maybe that's worse because it means there weren't enough risks being taken, ending up with another bland look? Well, next we'll talk about these looks, the ones that aren't the best or worst, and some that I can't quite decide if I love them or hate them yet.
The Middle Ground
1/15
Da'Vine Joy Rudolph in Jovana Louis
Da'Vine has been killing it this season and is really demonstrating great ways to dress for plus size bodies in a way that is so beautiful and that we haven't seen before.
2/15
Fantasia Barrino in Alin Le'Kal
I just wanted a chance to mention this drop-dead gorgeous feather train, which is essentially a shawl style coat. The gown beneath is very underwhelming but that huge feather coat is such a moment.
3/15
Emily Blunt in Armani Prive
Armani Prive is really missing the mark this year, for example this piece could have been simple and refined had it been a silk or matte fabric. The shape of the gown, the colour and rose adornments are all fabulous - Valentino-esque as they might be - but every positive is ruined by the cheap disco ball aesthetic.
4/15
Danielle Brooks in Monsoori
I love the drama of this dress, it feels very Ariana Grande in Giambattista Valli for the Grammy's and Danielle did a great job bringing the dress to life and not letting such a big piece wear her. The only issue is it kind of feels like an Ursula cosplay (not in a good way).
5/15
Celia Rose Gooding in Pamella Roland
Simple but elevated, I think it's a beautiful piece and Celia looks great. The framing around the neckline of the gown looks ethereal, feminine and sensual. It just feels a little dull to be on the best dressed list.
6/15
Richa Moorjani in Simkhai
I can't tell if I love this or hate this... I am a huge Jonathan Simkhai fan and really love the way his designs symbolise timeless elegance and imaginative silhouettes, but this dress feels like it's very cheap and poorly made yet at the same time it seems deeply intricate and detailed?
7/15
Jillian Dion
I love a floral embellishment, so this gown hit a soft spot, particularly as the slightly lighter blue of the flowers compliments the basic blue gown incredibly. The only reason this isn't on my best dressed, is the fall and fit of the actual gown itself.
8/15
Emma Stone in Louis Vuitton
For such a popular celebrity that has access to the best designers and stylist in Hollywood I am time and time again underwhelmed by her red carpet style. Louis Vuitton surprised me with such detail in this gown - miniature pleats invisible unless you look close at the fabric, 3 dimensional features along the asymmetrical neckline - but ultimately it just falls flat.
9/15
Carey Mulligan in Armani Prive
Another Armani Prive flop. Taking the most obvious gown imaginable and attempting to bring some intrigue with a bold statement neckline, that plunges below the sternum and features off the shoulder straps with a pointed lapel. It was almost a great look but it feels like the Armani team just held back from giving into the drama they were trying to bring in the first place.
10/15
Jennifer Aniston in Dolce and Gabbana
I am intrigued by the belt which ends in a train the falls to the side of the body, yet it doesn't work well in practise here. The pants fit terribly. The reason I almost enjoy this is the black feather motif that inspired the bodice - I would be curious to see an entire gown that features this concept.
11/15
Bella Ramsey in Thom Browne
This is another almost. Thom Browne is the one name is would go to when I think of perfect suits with fascinating, conceptual twist. This look on Bella has a brilliant design, I love the print and colour, but the fit is truly unforgiving.
12/15
Lee Sung Jin
There is nothing I don't like about this, it just isn't a look I'll remember forever. As a ballet dancer in a previous life, the dancers in different ballet positions stitched all over the suit are such a lovely idea to me, especially on a ballet pink foundation. The addition of the tabi's is inspired and I love it.
13/15
Chris Perfetti
No matter how much I investigate all over the internet I cannot find where this look is from, but I love it. Not only is the suit a surprisingly feminine and attractive style for a grey two piece, the layering with that matching lace long sleeve is genius. So subtle but the perfect way to create intrigue in a simple mens look.
14/15
Reese Witherspoon in Celine
Right, I have a bone to pick with you Reese: you are undoubtedly gorgeous and you always look good, but how many times are we going to see you in some iteration of a dull black dress with a bow??!
15/15
Brit Marling in Prada
Prada is pushing out some interesting looks this season, some land and some don't, but I'm glad either way, knowing that there is an attempt being made. I think this dress is the beginning of a perfect concept that was just executed poorly. The colour is nice and I really enjoy the idea of the fabric folding over from the bust like petals of a flower.
Now that we've gone through everyone that looked phenomenal as well as those that didn't hit the spot but had some potential, it's the dreaded time of looking at some of the worst dressed attendees. No-one wants to show up to a red carpet and end up on a worst dressed list - in some world, this list could be empty and everyone could look incredible - but unfortunately, designers, stylists and celebrities come together to attempt to create a moment and very often, the vision just doesn't come to life.
Worst Dressed
1/10
Alison Oliver in Loewe
All I see is toilet paper. Oh and those shoes make it look like she has hooves, not feet. The intention behind the sections of the pleated fabric is not lost, but it feels really poorly implemented, which has left an unflattering shape to the dress.
2/10
Rosamund Pike in Rodarte
My hopes and standards are so high for Rosamund right now, so of course I'm going to be extremely critical with her, but this looks like she is attending a 'Roses chocolate wrapper' themed party. The neckline, the colour, the fit is all so painfully bad... Let's move on.
3/10
Greta Gerwig in Molly Goddard
I have a feeling this look will grow on me, and already, it's not in this list because I think it's bad. To be honest I adore the voluminous skirt, but that vest portion is just atrocious: it's baggy and oversized but not flattering, the width of the shoulders are hurting my eyes, the wrinkles are unforgivable (although it could be intentional - especially with this fabric??)
4/10
Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor in Jovana Louis
I am worried that we are moving into a trend of creases?? Perhaps there has just been a shortage of irons/steamers in Hollywood this week, but I'm worried that this creased look is intentional - almost a worn in pleated look?? Other than this, there is just way too much going on here, none of it executed well.
5/10
Elizabeth Debicki in Oscar De La Renta
The crystal component at the top is attempting to be sheer and invisible, but it's not, that skin tone is just loud and ugly which takes me out of the Oscar De La Renta illusion. This photo is the nicest angle I could find to hide the monstrosity that is that bow-cummerbund. Finally we have another appalling issue with fit of trousers (why must they be so long?!)
6/10
Awkwafina in Dior Haute Couture
At this point it's clear that lace is back in, and this is not the way to do it. If this had been all black, it could have worked, but these horizontal sections in beige make the gown look like old curtains - not in a cute vintage way.
7/10
Julianne Moore in Chanel Haute Couture
This dress, although full of Chanel references, is so ugly I don't ever want to see it again. It has pockets? Great, but it's still ugly.
8/10
Lenny Kravitz in LaQuan Smith
This look was really well received, but I disagree. If you saw my Golden Globes post, you would have seen Lenny in a stunning ensemble by McQueen. This look is, to me, what would happen if Shein tried to replicate his previous look. The fit, fabric, shape, styling all scream cheap.
9/10
Charlotte Stoudt
All I'll say is this never should have happened.
10/10
Rachel Sennott in Balenciaga
If you want to know how I feel about this gown, look at the model's face. Rachel has such potential and perfect energy to kill a red carpet, but Jared Ellner - who is one of my favourite celebrity stylists of this decade - created this Balenciaga moment which is just wrong.
I think I'll take back my previous suggestion that this red carpet was a huge success, relatively speaking, because some of these looks will haunt me for many many nights. Before we round off for this years Critics Choice Awards Red Carpet, let's take a look at my absolute favourites and those few that I felt personally offended by.
Top 3
Worst 3
Thank you for making it to the end of this post, if you agree or disagree or have any thoughts on this event at all, leave a comment, reach out on socials and keep the conversation of fashion alive. Head on over to another post here and don't forget to follow me on Pinterest to keep up with my style and what I'm loving in real time.
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