Even at its worst, the red carpet is predictable. How many varieties of a strapless jeweled dress are there in the world? As it turns out, excellence on the red carpet can lead to superstars sacrificing the elements that make their appearances distinctive. Beauty can sometimes be monotonous. Charm and interest. a tiny bit of weirdness
Fortunately, nominees appear more willing to take chances when it comes to 2nd award programs, like Sunday night’s Critics’ Choice Awards. Here are a couple of the night’s smartest choices.
Elle Fanning missed it
If there was one overarching pattern on the red carpet, it was pretty blonde women wearing dresses that were almost sheer. (Hello to Milly Alcock, Kate Hudson, and Anya Taylor-Joy.)
With a cut Alexander McQueen off-white floral dress, Ms. Fanning stood out within that style. Only one of the shoulder straps was unfastened, and the enormous hoop skirt had a few tears and an abdominal rip that ran diagonally. She resembled a bride who had been dragged into combat midway through her vows, which is a scenario that fits with her portrayal of a queen who is in trouble on “The Great.”
Danielle Deadwyler Played With Texture
The sight of a silver sequined dress on the red carpet is not particularly unique. But take a closer look at these hand-embroidered Louis Vuitton sequins: They are large and heavily layered. If you stare at them long enough, you’ll get the urge to stroke them with your fingertips as if they were fur. Sequins and crystals gently clinking against one another create an almost audible ASMR. Texture, that is!
(It should be mentioned that Louis Vuitton employed a similarly deft sensory ploy with Aubrey Plaza’s custom sequined dress, which included multiple layers of delicate fabric zigzagging at the bust, giving the appearance of a sunset in dégradé.)
Michelle Yeoh expanded the volume.
A cape, especially a ruffled fuchsia cape, is one of the few accessories that adds drama. However, Ms. Yeoh’s wide, billowing sleeves also gave her a wavy profile that is unusual for the red carpet. She contrasted the sprightly grandeur with a simple black column dress from Carolina Herrera, pulled back hair, and a bare neck. (If the Golden Globes last week were any indicator, going necklace-free appears to be a developing trend.)
Cate Blanchett Made Fabric Choices
The only person who could pull off this monotone shirt and skirt ensemble is Ms. Blanchett. It has a fabric that looks like unwrinkled linen and is the hue of creamy oat milk. The fringed hem touched the crimson velvet carpet. While Ms. Blanchett was channeling her opposite in her Max Mara outfit, Elle Fanning was channeling her inner Catherine the Great. This is not how Lydia Tár, who is strict and meticulous, would ever appear.
