Best Looks of the Critics’ Choice Awards 2016

The logo of the 2016 Critics’ Choice Awards 2016. Image BFCA/A&E NETWORKS

The 21st Annual Critics’ Choice Awards took place on January 17th, 2016 at the Santa Monica Airport’s Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, with stars of both the small and large screens assembling to honor the finest achievements in 2015 film making.

Falling between the ultra-glamourous Golden Globe Awards and the Screen Actors Guild Awards, the Critics’ Choice Awards generally has a much more laid-back vibe. It’s by far one of the more casual events on the Awards Season calendar, with attendees dressed more for a fancy party than for the the formal affairs of other award shows. That doesn’t mean that the stars disappoint when it comes to their Red (Blue in this case) Carpet outfits though!

Here are my favorite looks of the night!

Kate Beckensale

Kate Beckinsale looked absolutely divine in this gorgeous Monique Lhullier gown, which was flawlessly paired with Guiseppi Zanotti heels, a Kotur bag and Butani jewels. Image REX

Helen Mirren

I’ll admit bias- Dame Helen Mirren would have to wear something really hideous for me to hate on her red carpet style. She knows what looks good on her and works this knowledge to the nth degree. This printed chiffon Dolce & Gabbana gown with dainty Kwiat jewels was perfection! Image REX/SHUTTERSTOCK

Kristen Ritter

This sparkling Zuhair Murad Haute Couture gown looked perfect on Kristen Ritter. The colour was gorgeous and her accessorizing was on point. She paired her gown with Stuart Weitzman shoes, a metallic Jimmy Choo clutch and H. Stern jewels. Image WIREIMAGE

Yael Grobglas

I love the simplicity of Yael Grobglas’ look. Everything about it was properly done. From her understated Black Halo Eve gown and delicate Bulgari jewelry to her sleek hair and makeup, this was a perfectly orchestrated look. Image REX/STYLE BISTRO

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

The asymmetrical neckline bothered me, but there’s no denying that Rosie Huntington-Whiteley’s head-to-toe Yves Saint Laurent look one of the highlights of the night. Image GETTY IMAGES

Kirsten Dunst

I kind of preferred this layered Chanel Haute Couture dress as it appeared on the runway on a model with more vibrant natural colouring than Ms. Dunst- the silver and cream of the gown washed her out completely. Besides that, she looks really great- it’s a beautiful gown and it fits her body and personal style. She accessorized it well with satin Roger Vivier pumps and gorgeous Fred Leighton jewels. Image GETTY IMAGES

Bryce Dallas-Howard

Bryce Dallas-Howard has been looking particularly lovely this awards season, and this sexy Balmain dress was no exception. It fit her like a glove and looked perfect when paired with Edie Parker accessories and Jacob & Co. jewels. Image REX

Helen McCrory

Helen McCrory’s eye catching Burberry Prorsum look was one of the highlights of the night. I love that colour! Image GETTY IMAGES/STYLE BISTRO

Tracee Ellis Ross

Tracee Ellis Ross is one woman who could make anything look incredible. Her Randi Rahm gown is so-so at best, but her natural poise, bearing and beauty make it an outstanding look. She chose accessories by Sophia Webster and Rauwolf and some gorgeous Neil Lane jewels. Image GETTY IMAGES

Judith Light

Many people hated Judith Light’s Zac Posen ensemble, but I think she looks quite good. She’s working the hell out of it and it’s obvious that she loves what she’s wearing. Her handcarved Nina Runsdorf jade, emerald and diamond earrings were standouts. Image REX/WIREIMAGE

Abbey Lee Kershaw

Proof that a model can make almost anything look good, I kind of like Abbey Lee Kershaw’s bizarre ruffled fishnet Balmain gown. Yes, the look is crazy, but it actually works! Especially since she kept her styling simple with sleek hair, natural makeup and understated jewels by Hoorsenbuhs and Sylvia & Cie. Image GETTY IMAGES

Zoë Kravitz

Leave it to Zoë Kravitz to wear something daring to an award’s show. Her Dior Couture separates were a welcome pop of colour to an event otherwise dominated by neutrals. I love the colour and cut of the garments, but I’d prefer the look more if the top wasn’t so shiny. I absolutely adore her Dior diamond jewelry and rhinestone studded Sophia Webster sandals. Image REX

Leslie Mann

This was one of the prettiest looks of the night- Leslie Mann looked fabulous in this ombré beaded Monique Lhullier gown, Christian Louboutin heels and Borgioni jewels. Image GETTY IMAGES

Carrie Keagan

This is actually a very well done look! Carrie Keagan’s bright Fouad Sarkis Couture gown was set off perfectly by some stunning Coomis jewelry, and was further enhanced by her effortlessly glamourous hair and makeup. Image REX

Portia Doubleday

If a sheer dress had to make it onto an award show carpet, I’m happy it’s an interesting one- this Novis number’s bright embroidery saved the outfit from looking too plain. Portia Doubleday completed her look with a deep blue Farod Barum bag, but she could have elevated it greatly by adding some jewelry and toning down the severity of her hair. Image REX

Lily Rabe

The cutout is a little odd, but I quite liked Lily Rabe’s sequinned Marc Bauer column gown. Image GETTY IMAGES

Courtney Eaton

I’ve seen her on the red carpet a few times before and I can’t help but wonder if she’s trying to look fierce by keeping her face locked in that permanent expression. I mean, if I were at an awards ceremony dressed in head-to-toe Valentino I’d be smiling like there was no tomorrow. She looks good, but her expression annoyed me to no end. Image GETTY IMAGES/THE FASHION SPOT

Alicia Vikander

Alicia Vikander’s patterned Mary Katrantzou gown is a bit odd, but it suits her and she looks fabulous. I’m glad to see her wearing something other than Louis Vuitton to an event (she’s a brand ambassador) and this is a nice change. Her jewelry is Vuitton and it’s gorgeous, and as a jewelry lover I can’t think of a better way to represent the brand! Image GETTY IMAGES

Constance Zimmer

Kudos to Constance Zimmer for wearing graphic stripes on the Red Carpet- this Tracey Reese dress looks great on her! The styling is really on point too, with understated Loriblu pumps, a Kotur bag, and Nigaam jewels rounding out the look perfectly. Image REX

Jean Smart

I really hate the sleeves on this Marc Duggal gown, but overall, Jean Smart looks fab. I particularly adore her jewelry, especially that fabulous L’Dezen ruby and diamond ring. Image REX

I mean, LOOK AT IT! J’adore! Image GETTY IMAGES/TOM AND LORENZO/L’ DEZEN BY PAYAL SHAH IMSTAGRAM

Marisa Tomei

I ‘m shocked that I like this look so much, but Marisa Tomei is quirky so it works on her. This short, brightly patterned Zuhair Murad dress would have been overwhelming if she’d been styled differently, but worn here, with understated accessories by Tamara Mellon and Tyler Alexandro, and simple Niwaka Collections jewelry, it looked absolutely fab! Image GETTY IMAGES

Xx – Ana

MET Gala 2015

The grand staircase of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, lit up for the 2015 Met Gala. Image VOGUE.COM/KEVIN TACHMAN

Every year without fail, I look forward to the opening of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute’s Spring fashion exhibit. Not only does the exhibit’s opening allow fashion lovers a glimpse of rare pieces of haute couture in detail, but the event is always kicked off by THE red carpet benefit, the MET Gala. Each gala celebrates the theme of the new Costume Institute exhibition, which sets the tone for the attendee’s formal dress, as guest are expected to choose outfits that align with the exhibit’s theme.

Gala attendees Annabelle Wallis (left) and Tabitha Simmons chat in one of the main galleries in the Met’s Ancient Egyptian Wing. Image VOGUE.COM/TAYLOR JEWELL

This always results in an interesting mix of fabulous red carpet fashion- both good and bad, with some attendees arriving in glorious couture costumes, many well but plainly turned out, and others… well, looking a real mess.

Model Poppy Delevingne (back turned) and socialite Bianca Brandolini D’Adda share a hug upon arrival to the Met’s Ancient Eqyptian Wing at the start of the Ball. Image VOGUE.COM/DAVID X PUTTING/BFANYC.COM

This year’s theme was “China: Through the Looking Glass”, a retrospective on the impact of Chinese art and culture on international fashion, with an emphasis on examining the cultural exchange between Western fashion and Chinese art. (Ohhhhh what a theme!) To me, the exotic East is one of the richest inspirations for anything style, but its a theme that can pretty easily be taken to overdone kitschy levels. With that in mind, I braced myself for all that could have gone wrong on the red carpet (hairstyles with embellished chopsticks, a cheongsam overdose, geisha makeup?!), but I was happily surprised! The majority of this year’s attendees looked downright glamorous with tasteful and elegant outfits that paid homage to some of the best details of traditional Chinese garb. Many looked stunning.

Designer Stella McCartney (left) and model Cara Delevingne pose for a photo at their dinner table in the Temple of Dendur housed inside the Met’s Sackler Wing. Image VOGUE.COM/TAYLOR JEWELL

Here are some of the best looks from what is quite likely the world’s most fabulous red carpet!

Bee Shaffer

Anna Wintour’s gorgeous daughter looked flawless in this patterned silk Alexander McQueen gown. Image GETTY IMAGES

Li Bingbing

I adore Li Bingbing in this sculptural gown by Dior Haute Couture- she’s gorgeous from every angle! Image GETTY IMAGES/CHINA.ORG

Rihanna

By far the most memorable and dramatic look of the night: Rihanna’s Guo Pei cape was perfectly paired with jewels by Chopard. Image GETTY IMAGES

Ivanka Trump

Ivanka Trump cut a stunning figure in this gorgeous cobalt blue and white column gown by Prabal Gurug and Cindy Chao jewels. Image INDIGITALIMAGES

Fan Bingbing

Another favourite look: Fan Bingbing topped her stunning Christopher Bu gown with a gorgeously beaded cape, Louis Vuitton accessories and Chopard jewels. Image COSMOPOLITIAN.COM/INDIGITALIMAGES

Helen Mirren

The always regal Dame Helen Mirren cut a vivid figure in head-to-toe Dolce and Gabbana. Image STYLE.COM

Gao Yuanyuan

Gao Yuanyuan kept things simple and sweet in this pale blue Micheal Kors number, natural makeup and flowing locks. Image GETTY IMAGES

Karen Elson

Only a model could pull off head-to-toe couture as well as this: Karen Elson slayed in this off the runway look from the Spring 2015 Dolce and Gabbana Alta Moda collection. Image GETTY IMAGES

Georgina Bloomberg

Socialite and equestrian Georgina Bloomberg sparkled from every angle in her custom beaded Badgley Mischka gown. Image GEORGINA BLOOMBERG/INSTAGRAM

Ziyi Zhang

Ziyi Zhang stunned in this gorgeous custom Carolina Herrera gown, Roger Vivier accessories and Cindy Chao jewels. Image GETTY IMAGES

Keri Russell

Keri Russel brought edgy perfection in this feathered Altuzarra dress and Ana Khouri earrings. Image INDIGITALIMAGES

Gong Li

I love this look: Gong Li was absolute perfection in custom Roberto Cavalli and Harry Winston jewels. Image STYLE.COM

Amanda Seyfried

Amanda Seyfried brought some serious drama to the red carpet in her custom white Givenchy Haute Couture gown, Tiffany Co. jewels and some fabulous hair and makeup to boot! Image GETTY IMAGES

Cher(!!!)

Cher (!!!) can do no wrong in my eyes: she slayed in a sequinned Marc Jacobs sheaf and Stephen Webster jewels. Image INDIGITALIMAGES

Courtney Eaton

Another look directly off the runway: Courtney Eaton dazzled in this head-to-toe look from the Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda Spring 2015 collection. Image GETTY

Maggi Q

Maggie Q shone in this slick embellished two-piece number by Tory Burch. Image GETTY IMAGES/STYLE.COM

Liu Wen

Liu Wen kept things simple in this lacy column gown by Micheal Kors. Image GETTY IMAGES

Lizzy Tisch

Lizzy Tisch looked gorgeous in this fabulous floral gown from the Erdem Fall/winter 2015 collection. Image GETTY IMAGES/VOGUE.COM

Kendall Jenner

Kendall Jenner sparkled from head to toe in this crystallized jade green Calvin Klein gown and Chopard jewelry. Her hair and makeup game were also suitably on point! Image INDIGITALIMAGES

Lizzy Kaplan

Lizzy Kaplan stunned yet again in a gown by Donna Karen Atelier, she accessorized perfectly with an Edie Parker Clutch and jewels by Jack Vartanian and Carla Amorim. Image GETTY IMAGES/VOGUE.COM

Anna Wintour

Editor in chief of US Vogue and Chairman of the Met’s Costume Institute Anna Wintour rocked the red carpet in this custom gown by Chanel Haute Couture. Image GETTY IMAGES

Joan Smalls

Supermodel Joan Smalls stunned in this sexy sheer gown by Peter Dundas for Roberto Cavalli, Gianvito Rossi accessories and Chopard jewels. Image STYLE.COM

Li Yunchun

Li Yunchun made her Met Gala début in this sharp suit by Givenchy Haute Couture. Image LI YUNCHUN/INSTAGRAM/GETTY IMAGES

Natasha Poly

Proof that you can look phenomenal on a budget: supermodel Natasha Poly sparkled in this gold foil column dress by Topshop. Image NATASHA POLY/INSTAGRAM

Caroline Trentini

Supermodel Caroline Trentini wowed in this sheer black gown by Atelier Versace and Queelin jewels. Image GETTY IMAGES

Shu Pei Qin

Shu Pei Quin stunned in this custom scarlet gown by Tommy Hilfiger (gasp), a crystallized Roger Vivier clutch and Harry Winston jewelry. Image GETTY IMAGES

Adèle Exarchopoulos

Adèle Exarchopoulos sparkled from head to toe in a custom Louis Vuitton gown, an embellished silver Roger Vivier clutch and Bourcheron jewels. Image GETTY IMAGES

Zhu Zhu

Zhu Zhu looked flawless in this monochromatic stunner by Stella McCartney and Queelin jewels. Image GETTY IMAGES

Tabitha Simmons

Tabitha Simmons always wows on the red carpet, this year’s gilded look came completely off the Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda Spring 2015 runway- headdress and all! Image INDIGITALIMAGES

Feifei Sun

Fei Fei Sun went for drama on the red carpet in this sparkling Micheal Kors number,Lorraine Schwartz jewels and
bombshell-ready hair and makeup. Image GETTY IMAGES

Ni Ni

Actress Ni Ni brought a shot of sunlight to the red carpet in this lemon yellow Ralph Lauren. Image GETTY IMAGES

Nicola Peltz

Nicola Peltz wowed in this draped white gown by Jason Wu for Hugo Boss, Charlotte Olympia accessories and jewels by Graff Diamonds and Harry Winston. Image VOGUE.COM

Rose Byrne

Rose Byrne’s burgundy Calvin Klein gown was a fabulous confection of lacy perforated leather panels and bejewelled studs. It’s the perfect mix of sexy and stunning! Image GETTY IMAGES/STYLE.COM

Zhou Xun

Actress Zhou Xun wowed on the red carpet in head-to-toe Chanel Haute Couture (Fall 2014 collection), Chanel accessories (Spring 2015 collection) and diamonds from the Chanel Fine Jewelry collection. Image ZHOU XUN/ISNTAGRAM

Sienna Miller

Sienna Miller looked gorgeous in a sparkly custom fringed tuxedo by Thakoon, Rauwolf accessories and Jacob & Co. jewels. Image GETTY IMAGES

Naomi Campbell

The fabulous Naomi Campbell always dazzles on the red carpet, so it’s no surprise that she stunned in this glimmering gold Burberry Prorsum gown complete with a feathered fringe. Image INDIGITALIMAGES

Allison Williams

Actress Allison WIlliams cut a dramatic figure in this scarlet gown by Giambattista Valli Haute Couture and glittering Fred Leighton jewels. Image GETTY IMAGES

Candice Swanepoel

The gorgeous Candice Swanepoel looked fabulous in this lacy pailette-encrusted Micheal Kors gown and glimmering jewels by Lorraine Schwartz. Image GETTY IMAGES