Red Carpet Review: 2015 Emmy Awards

If you watched any red carpet broadcast from this year's Emmy Awards, you may have heard the following more than once: "I'm sweaty," "It's so hot," and/or "I almost fainted!" But with a slew of gorgeous dresses that cascaded down the red carpet, it's hard to feel much sympathy. The Emmys may play it safe, sartorially speaking, but the slew of embellishments and jewel tones made the Hollywood heat worth it. But, as all award shows do, there were a slew of less-than-awesome ensembles. So which looks sizzled on the red carpet and which ones fizzled? Read on for this year's red carpet recap.

The Worst.

Heidi Klum in Atelier Versace: Surely, all compliments towards the Project Runway host's yellow getup was an iteration of Regina George's two-faced fashion commentary. In the wise words of the iconic mean girl, "this is the ugliest effin' dress." Such an ageless and graceful model could opt for any other dress and look radiant, this schizophrenic sartorial nightmare looks more like a mélange of her contestants' worst creations.  Part boho, party victorian and part skin-baring, but 100 percent ugly. To top it all off, the sheer skit and platform veer into extreme showgirl territory. Translation? So not chic.

Laura Prepon in Christian Siriano: The color, silhouette and train are gorgeous, but how can you notice the positive aspects of this look when that awful embroidered bodice commands all attention? Exactly. Instead of working together to create a super gown, the tomato red and gilded bits compete with each other and look like a medieval costume gone wrong. A slimmer silhouette or darker shade would make this embroidery easier to look at. 

Danielle Brooks in Christian Siriano: For the autumnally averse, there may no such thing as too much color. For the red carpet? Three bright, color-blocked hues is simply too much. The silhouette hugs the Orange is the New Black star's curves extremely well; however, the colors look like she's wearing a childhood play parachute. Speaking of the horrid stripped paneling, not even the fiercest superwoman needs a front train and back train.

Taylor Schilling in Stella McCartney: So if Danielle Brooks is dressed in a parachute, Taylor Schilling is dressed in a lopsided curtain, right? If you're an obsessive compulsive dresser, you must feel the need to straight the bunching along Schilling's neckline. Perhaps it was supposed to look offbeat and cool, but the neckline looks like a halter top gone so, so wrong. And what's going on with that hem? It's neither here nor there and looks like she stole this window treatment at the last moment. 

Amy Poehler in  Michael Kors Collection: Don't be fooled, dear reader: there is such a thing as an outfit being ruined by accessories. Sure, the dress's peekaboo cut-outs are summery while the black hue makes this the perfect transition piece into fall, but what's with the bangles? the thin halter straps and minimal shape are completely off balanced by those clunky bangles. Plus, this is the Emmys! It's the time to be blinged out with some dainty jewels. Also, the funny woman's red locks look brassy and lackluster. Amy Poehler, you were born to be blonde.

The Best.




Taraji P Henson in Alexander Wang: Now that's a fierce look.  As her first nomination for her portrayal of Cookie, this look packs on the drama without commanding too much attention. The netted skirt and jeweled straps upgrade the traditional (read: boring) little black dress. And let's not forget that the ab-baring cut-out is subtly sexy. And with so many elements in a single dress, Henson smartly opted for a simple black clutch and a simple glitzy bracelet. On the beauty front, her asymmetrical lob is straightened to perfection. 

Aubrey Plaza in Alexandre Vauthier: Is the Parks and Recreation star reinventing the sartorial wheel? Not exactly. However, this dress is a refreshing (and undeniably sultry) way to play in safe.  The plunging V-Neck and high slit leave just enough to the imagination to have this look be deemed chic, but otherwise? The dress seems comfortable and is relatively low maintenance. Since her maxi dress does have several shimmery flecks, Plaza perfectly accessorizes this with a few rings and a simple pump.

Tatiana Maslany in Bouchra Jarrar Couture: Ladies, take note: if you want to give a menswear-inspired look a try, take a page from the Orphan Black star's look book and dare to bare. The angelic white suit mixed with the lack of an undershirt creates the perfect juxtaposition. Also, can we talk about how perfect the fit is? When it comes to menswear for women, a little slouch is never a bad thing. The seriously slick ponytail is perfect while the black sandals and clutch add a very sophisticated finishing touch.

Jaimie Alexander in Armani Privé: Um, this is totally major. Unlike Danielle Brooks's technicolored  number, this glitzy Armani Privé look works because the deep jewel-toned colors create a consistent and flattering pattern. And while color, sparkle, and a long-sleeved maxi silhouette make seem extremely overwhelming, this look (which premiered on the red carpet) feels more like a fashion statement than an eyesore. A few rings and the clean, cropped do perfectly blend in with the fitted silhouette. 

Kerry Washington in Marc Jacobs: Any fashion nerd loves seeing recently released runway on the red carpet less than a week later. And, of course, Washington's glitzy Marc Jacobs number is no exception. The midi hemline, especially mixed with a subtle V-neck and modest slit, is refreshing in a sea of carpet-grazing gowns. And those extra-embellished fripperies along the shoulder and skirt of the dress provide a flapper- esque flair.. While a fresh face and messy updo don't compete with the pizazz of the dress, the Scandal star carries this dress with confidence so the heavy metal garment isn't wearing her.

Sarah Hyland in Zac Posen: That color! That neckline! That fit! Gorgeous. She may be young, but the Modern Family actress never shies away from a fashion challenge. And for this year? Hyland takes an elegant forck and gives it a modern twist by accessorizing with monochromatic gems. While a traditional gown is nothing new, that off-the-shoulder sleeve is on trend, refreshing and sophisticated. Styled with a cool forearm cuff and beachy waves, this look is a fashion home run. Brava! 

Lady Gaga in Brandon Maxwell: If someone were to tell you that Lady Gaga would be presenting at the Emmy Awards circa 2010, you would shudder in preparation for her avant garde ensemble. Would there be LED lights, fruit or growing flora? Luckily, it's 2015. And in 2015, a different Lady Gaga made her debut at the television extravaganza. Dressed in black, Lady Gaga presents a more refined version of herself while the asymmetrical shoulder and dimensional pop offers something quirky to the sartorial equation. The surprisingly simple look is paired with a perfectly coiffed do and a bitten-lip pout.

Sarah Paulson in Prabal Gurung: Not to sound dramatic, but this look oozes chicness. Similar to Sarah Hyland's burgundy number, the strong off-the-shoulder strap dances between your standard, commercialized red carpet look and a high-fashion ensemble. Also, obsessed with the navy and black color combination. Though subtle, it's far more fetching than the overused black and white palette. Added bonus? The dual-toned dress makes a fully sequined dress cool and borderline edgy instead of a reject custome from a Liza Minelli concert.

Jessica Paré in Monse: Her Mad Men alter-ego is known for making a fashion statement with her retro garments. But, while everyone was looking at Claire Danes's chain-linked Prada ensemble, this look went mostly under the sartorial radar. However, this dress is gorgeous. The knot at the bodice and the gentle draping along the front of the gown offer a regal, and forward-thinking, approach to a bubblegum pink dress. For a minimal statement, Paré keep the gems to a minimum and opts for a cool, center-parted bun.

 

Which looks did you love? Sound off below.

Photos courtesy of Entertainment Weekly,  Billboard and New York Magazine

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Red Carpet Review: 2014 Emmy Awards

Who doesn't love TV? With basic cable classics, HBO frontrunners, and those attention-grabbing Netflix shows, everyone had something to root for during this year's Emmy Awards. On the red carpet, it was anyone's games as traditional neutrals mingled with ultra bright hues. But that's not to say the night was filled with exclusively radiant looks. Did the Emmys Awards's Monday night time slot ruin your chances at watching the red carpet? Take a look at the best and worst looks of the night.

The Best.

Heidi Klum in Zac Posen: The Project Runway host tends to have more sartorial misses than hits; however, this breezy dress is perfection. The comfortable silhouette is refreshing in a world of skin-tight corset bodices, and the sleeves offer a dramatic, yet subtle, flair that makes this dress interesting. And how excited are you to see a relatively new Zac Posen silhouette on the red carpet? Weren't you getting sick of his traditional evening gowns?  Klum's beauty tactics for this look are on point: the soft waves play up the semi-ruffled sleeves, not to mention the natural makeup is stunning.

Julia Louis-Dreyfus in Carolina Herrera: Always age appropriate and ultra-chic, it's no surprise last night's winner made it onto the best dressed list. The halter neckline and poppy pink is youthful; however, the Veep star never reveals too much skin. As per usual, the funny lady is smartly dressed; however, she never fails to shine on the red carpet. And how much are you loving her shorter locks? 

Julianne Hough in DSquared: A true vision in white. Overall, the whole look perfectly juxtaposes feminine style and tomboy chic. The starlet's short, side-swept chop is counteracted by a voluminous, ultra-feminine frock. To prevent looking like an ice queen, Hough smartly paired her crisp ensemble with some dark gems.Want to rock a monochromatic like Hough? Show a little bit of skin with a sexy slit, and opt for those white pumps.

Lizzy Caplan in Donna Karan Atelier: Did you stop breathing when you saw this look? Because it is pure perfection. The silhouette and high-contrast color combination is reminiscent of an old Hollywood movie start, but the side cut-outs and halter neckline offer a contemporary twist. Similar on the beauty front, the slicked back bun is very conventional while the star's kohl-lined eyes bring back Caplan's alter ego, Janis Ian. The bold accessories are the perfect finishing touches for this ensemble. Ladies and gents, this is what red carpet dreams are made of. 

Sofia Vergara in Roberto Cavalli: An oldie but a goodie. Though the Modern Family star wears the same silhouette to every awards show, it's never a dull moment with vibrant colors or intriguing details. This time, the metallic strips offer a futuristic flair to Vergara's traditional dress. And isn't that contract between her bright red pout and white dress major? 

Michelle Dockery in Rosie Assoulin: Leave it to the Downton Abbey star to bring something refreshing to the red carpet. The regal silhouette is given an offbeat twist with high-octane stripes. Ladies on the worst dress list: this is a perfect example of how to take a worthwhile risk on the red carpet. Whether it's color or silhouette, keep one part of your outfit classic. The dainty jewels and sleek hair make this something Audrey Hepburn would wear today.

Michelle Monaghan in Giambattista Valli: Though this look is nothing extraordinary, there's something very refreshing about the simplicity of this dress. Compared to all the outrageously flashy ensembles, this ensemble is relatable and likable. Also, the modest slit offers a dash of sex appeal to an otherwise matronly silhouette. Plus, the gold and white combination definitely gives this look regal undertones. 

The Worst.

Kerry Washington in Prada: Once upon a time, Kerry Washington was Vanity Fair's best dressed woman. Oh, how times have changed. The too-tight-for-comfort orange column dress paired with an excessive use of sparkles was simply not up to the Scandal star's sartorial standards. Try saying that five times fast. And what's up with that black sequined slip? Awful. Though the emerald green eyeshadow brightened her face, the beachy waves and middle part looked sloppy instead of ethereal. 

Keke Palmer in Rubin Singer: Why yes, Keke Palmer, there is such as thing as too much dress and too much cleavage. Though the cobalt blue is absolutely striking against her complexion, a deep v-neck should be paired with a sleek column shape, not a outrageous mermaid tail. It's all about editing, Keke! 

Mayim Bialik in Oliver Tolentino: Yes, this dress is beautiful; however, it's too matronly for The Big Bang Theory star. While the funny lady doesn't have to wear a look that resembles Amber Rose's VMAs ensemble, the color, sleeves and lace were too Southern Belle for the Emmys. Nixing the sleeves or opting for a smooth fabric would've made the world's difference.

Lena Dunham in Giambattista Valli: Giambattista Valli's latest couture collection was perfectly concocted of floral prints, retro silhouettes, and a textured finale. While collection received positive reviews, Lena Dunham's interpretation scored her less-than-glowing feedback. This year, her place on the worst dress list seems almost intentional. Before you blame her curvy figure, the actual problem is that-- surprisingly, after all these years-- she still doesn't know how to carry herself on the red carpet. Nothing begs for a place on the worst dressed list like  poor posture and a pissed off face. As "the voice of our generation," shouldn't she be sporting her ensembles with some confidence? 

Laura Prepon in Gustavo Cadile: To be blunt, Prepon's look screams gothic mermaid. Not only does that reverse color situation look a little tacky, the half collar is definitely unnecessary. Honestly, does anyone ever want that much draping and excessive fabric on the red carpet? No. 

Amanda Peet in Giambattista Valli: Yet another strikeout for the French couturier. Yes, Amanda Peet is pregnant; however, that's not an excuse to dress like she's on an episode of Little House on the Prairie. The bodice ruffles and the florals? No thank you. And what is up with that hairstyle? Are the 80's back? Someone, please advise.

What did you think of these looks? Sound off below!

Photos courtesy of E! Online.

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