Red Carpet Roll Call

- - Red Carpet

The draw of the red carpet is real. Like many of you, we were glued to our TVs, live streams and Twitter accounts to get a first glimpse of what stars of television and screen were wearing to the Golden Globes last night. However, in contrast to many viewers, we were watching with a designer’s eye as we searched for new and innovative draping and embellishment techniques. We looked for fit and fabric, necklines and hemlines and immaculate finishings. When stars were asked the question, “Who are you wearing?” we waited with bated breath to see if our predictions were correct. Our hits and misses follow.

Embellishment-to-Be

Embellishment-to-Be

There is no denying Juilanne Moore’s Givenchy Haute Couture gown took the prize for stunning embellishment. From sequins to feathers, this work of art by Ricardo Tischi was a metallic standout deserving of its own award. Honorable Mention in this category goes to Sienna Miller in Miu Miu.

Don't get it twisted - this gown is done right.

Don’t get it twisted – this gown is done right.

The perfectly placed twist on Jessica Chastain’s Versace gown is the mark of true craftsmanship. Although this liquid metallic fabric could reveal every flaw (as if Jessica Chastain has any flaws), the way the excess fabric of the center twist is resolved beautifully into the rest of the gown creates draped perfection.

And the Dreamy Drape award goes to...

And the Dreamy Drape award goes to…

Although we generally think of dreamy draped gowns as Amy Adams’ Atelier Versace, we couldn’t help but give the Dreamy Drape honor to Jenna Dewan Tatum’s Carolina Herrera confection. The soft yellow enhances an effortless drape we are not used to seeing, which adds a beautiful geometric edge to a soft, feminine gown.

Fit Fiasco

Fit Fiasco

As a destination for all things fashion design, we have to point out a Fit Fiasco.  Rosamond Pike is a talented actress and stunning woman (not to mention, a brand new mom). Vera Wang is a designer of all things beautiful. However, from a construction standpoint, this dress needs a second thought in terms of proportion and structure. A thicker strap would highlight the side cut outs and provide more support. As an alternative, filling in the side cut outs might also add support and allow the thin, delicate straps to be featured.

Honorable MEN-tion

Honorable MEN-tion

Last, but certainly not least, is a wonderful nod to formal menswear. Emma Stone in a strapless Lanvin jumpsuit is a brilliant mix of a feminine embellished bodice paired with a tailored trouser and a signature oversized Lanvin bow. In my biased, menswear-loving opinion, Emma Stone deserves top red carpet honors. Do you agree/disagree with our selections? Please comment below. Until the Oscars!

Red Carpet Roll Call in Header Image: Allison Williams in Armai Privé, Taylor Schilling in Ralph Lauren Collection, Helen Mirren in Dolce & Gabbana and Viola Davis in Donna Karan Atelier

All images: Vogue.com

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Kara Laricks is a regular contributor to the University of Fashion. She’s also a New York based women's wear and accessories designer. As the first winner of NBC's Fashion Star, Kara has designed collections for H&M, Macy's and Saks Fifth Avenue. Her masculine meets feminine line, Kara Laricks, debuted at New York Fashion Week in 2012 and her S/S 2013 collection sold exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue. Kara's designs have been featured on the Today Show and HBO's True Blood as well as covered in Women's Wear Daily and on Style.com. Kara holds Master's degrees in both Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Kansas and in Fashion Design from the Academy of Art in San Francisco. An educator turned designer, Kara is dedicated to supporting emerging designers and inspiring others to follow where dreams lead.