WHO: Jessica Biel
WHERE & WHEN: 2013 Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala – PUNK: Chaos to Couture on May 6, 2013.
WEARING: Giambattista Valli Haute Couture dress, pants and shoes & Fred Leighton jewelry

MY VERDICT: It was really exciting to see this Giambattista Valli black netted high-low gown and leggings on the MET Gala red carpet as it was a look I was really crossing my fingers for. I had envisioned Jessica wearing this Spring 2013 Haute Couture silhouette–but, it was the solid pink version. I had pegged the darker number for Diane Kruger as I felt Jessica would play it safer, and needless to say: I underestimated Jess. I feel like it captured the punk attitude even though it was pretty glamorous too.

My only qualm is that I feel like she thought the dress was going to do all the work for her and didn’t put any effort into it otherwise. | continue reading..

WHO: Rooney Mara
WHERE & WHEN: 2013 Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala – PUNK: Chaos to Couture on May 6, 2013.
WEARING: Givenchy Haute Couture dress and shoes, and jewelry from Fred Leighton & Jennifer Meyer.

MY VERDICT: Rooney, co-chair with Givenchy designer Riccardo Tisci, set the annual gala in motion when she arrived in this custom-made long sleeve white lace gown. I was really into the open back and punk inspiration of the zippers at the waist line; it comes from Tisci’s Fall-Winter 2010/2011 Haute Couture collection. I know the theme this year is PUNK: Chaos to Couture in honor of the new punk exhibition, and granted this wasn’t in-your-face punk nor is it something different from Rooney—but, I really don’t care because I loved it on her and she doesn’t need to try hard. A center rising ruffled hem gave us a great view of Rooney’s shark tooth white ankle strap sandals. | continue reading..

WHO: Isla Fisher
WHERE & WHEN: “The Great Gatsby” world premiere on May 1, 2013.
WEARING: Dolce & Gabbana dress & shoes, Roger Vivier clutch & Fred Leighton jewelry.

MY VERDICT: I’m sure Isla left on-lookers speechless when she stepped out for the New York City premiere of “The Great Gatsby” in a gorgeous black Dolce & Gabbana silk gown with a crowd of coral and peach embroidered flowers sprinkling from the bodice and long sleeves. I love how the dress suddenly, but beautifully, transforms into a spring-ready floral lace skirt. This may be one of the best dresses the actress has ever worn.

Isla kept focus on the gown by accessorizing with coordinating black pieces; a Roger Vivier satin clutch and simple platform pumps. Small diamond drop earrings, cascading waves gathered to one side, and a punched up pink pout completed her look.

WHO: Nicole Kidman
WHERE & WHEN: 85th Academy Awards on February 24, 2013.
WEARING: L’Wren Scott dress, shoes & bag with Fred Leighton jewels.

MY VERDICT: I can’t be the only one who predicted that Nicole would be the star to first wear the black and gold molten sequin tank gown from the new L’Wren Scott Fall 2013 collection.  I think many ‘called it’—either out loud, in their mind–or maybe through a tweet.  It was a given, and it happened.  The “Paper Boy” actress arrived at the Oscars wearing the slinky, sexy gown that literally fit her like a perfect glove.  I’ve always been a fan of the combination of black and gold, in fact, it’s my current nail art—but, colors aside, what really stands out are the fun swirl patterns on the pleated elements of the skirt.

Nicole completed her look with a swept up ‘do, featuring stray cascading curls, and  jewelry from Fred Leighton; gold and black enamel pendant earrings and a gold and diamond chain bracelet.

WHO: Kristen Stewart
WHERE & WHEN: 85th Academy Awards on February 24, 2013.
WEARING: Reem Acra dress, Jimmy Choo & Bloch shoes, and Fred Leighton jewelry.

MY VERDICT: Kristen was one of the last Oscar arrivals, and she did so by stepping out on crutches!  The “On The Road” star was nursing an unexplained injury, but toughened it up to go sans assistance as she posed for photos in her glittering Reem Acra Spring 2009 Bridal Couture dress; a pale blush strapless bustier gown with exquisite hand beaded embroidery throughout, pleated tulle inserts, and a low-dipping open back.  It was the most ethereal look I’ve seen on her; that being said, I’m either a stickler for wanting to see the actress in rich color—or I’m just a hard one to win over with pale dresses.

Imagine this in burgundy with a better fitting bust. | continue reading..

WHO: Lena Dunham
WHERE & WHEN: 2013 Writers Guild Awards on February 17, 2013.
WEARING: Reed Krakoff dress, shoes, and clutch; Fred Leighton jewelry.

MY VERDICT: Wearing head-to-toe Reed Krakoff, “Girls” star Lena Dunham took the WGAs red carpet by storm. This might be one of her best looks to date! Lena proudly showed off her tattoos in a strapless asymmetric black and white speckled dress from the Pre-Fall 2013 collection that she beautifully paired with classic, sexy, and strappy black sandals. I think this would have been even more flattering for her if the dress had short sleeves. As for the hair and makeup, Lena styled her short locks swept to the side with a little bit of volume before completing her look with rosy cheeks and sultry smoky eyes.

WHO: Nicole Kidman
WHERE & WHEN: 55th Grammy Awards on February 10, 2013.
WEARING: Vera Wang dress, L’Wren Scott shoes, Roger Vivier clutch & Fred Leighton jewelry.

MY VERDICT: Nicole glittered in gold wearing a floor-length semi-sheer metallic lace Vera Wang dress. The sleek v-neck design comes from the designer’s Spring/Summer 2013 runway collection. The cut was a near-perfect fit for Nicole, but it just doesn’t feel like a Grammys dress to me. It’s going to be hard to top what she wore to the ceremony in 2011. Nicole completed her look with super sleek tresses, Fred Leighton jewelry, a dark manicure and matching L’Wren Scott Spring 2013 sandals.

WHO: Sarah Jessica Parker
WHERE & WHEN: 2013 EE British Academy Film Awards on February 10, 2013.
WEARING: Elie Saab jumpsuit, Jean-Michel Cazabat shoes, VBH clutch, a Jaeger-LeCoultre timepiece, and jewelry from Fred Leighton and Fenton.

MY VERDICT: Sarah Jessica rocked the BAFTAs this year when she stepped out in a cool jumpsuit from Elie Saab! What a way to set the trend for evening wear at major red carpet ceremonies. SJP selected her black three-quarter sleeve boat-neck one piece from the Pre-Fall 2013 collection by the designer, which also features a combo of velvet, scuba and stretch crepe panels throughout.  I’m loving it! This was cool, it was new, but most of all—it didn’t stand out like a sore thumb.  It may have taken the quick attention of all on-lookers, but it worked for the gala.

She left her long ombré tresses swept back in smooth strands before finishing with smoky eyes, layered diamond jewelry and a pair of black pointed toe Jean-Michel Cazabat d’Orsay pumps.  | continue reading..

WHO: Nicole Kidman
WHERE & WHEN: 19th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on January 27, 2013.
WEARING: Vivienne Westwood Couture dress, Manolo Blahnik shoes & Fred Leighton jewelry

MY VERDICT: There were so many blue dresses worn on the red carpet last night, and they were all so beautiful!  Nicole, in particular, stood out to me in her striking (and sparkling) Vivienne Westwood Couture navy and black  embroidered Marlene gown with floral appliqués all over.  I love this streamlined silhouette, the mesh yoke and scattered embroidery, and the intense scallop trim slit to show off her classic Manolo Blahnik black strappy “Chaos” sandals.  A super sleek mane and Fred Leighton emerald statement earrings helped the star pull off a flawless look.  She was a clear favorite of mine. | continue reading..

WHO: Kerry Washington
WHERE & WHEN: 19th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards on January 27, 2013.
WEARING: Rodarte dress, Christian Louboutin, Fred Leighton & a Judith Leiber clutch.

MY VERDICT: The “Scandal” star was one of my favorite ladies on the SAG red carpet last night.  Kerry wore a beautiful white silk tulle and silver lace gown by Rodarte, which featured a sharp cut strapless bodice, angled embellishments at the hem, and shimmering Swarovski elements throughout.  I would get married in this.

I’m glad Kerry wore her hair up, even though it’s short and wouldn’t have disturbed the design.  The ponytail and swept bangs provided a clean, elegant effect—and it allowed for her to show off those toned shoulders and gleaming diamond earrings.  Smoky eyes, a nude manicure and a silver Judith Leiber clutch helped Kerry complete this true beauty of a look.