As the year winds down, we thought we'd take a moment to reflect on ‘09's finest moments on the red carpet. The following ladies have rocked our fashion world this year and without a doubt you have your own favorite glam occassion, so let us know who got you all in a fashion fluster below. So without further ado and (in the words of Dermot) in no particular order, here’s our top red carpet moments of 2009...
The Cinderella moment
What a year it’s been for Freida Pinto. She starred in an Oscar-winning film, was snapped up as the new face of L'Oréal Paris and became the must-have FROW guest - taking pride of place at Burberry, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Dolce & Gabbana (phew!). But the moment that cemented the rising star’s fashion credentials was on the BAFTA red carpet when she looked resplendent in an Oscar De La Renta gown (which the designer made to order) flowing over her Jimmy Choo heels and accessorized with a Judith Leiber encrusted clutch and 18th century Fred Leighton jewels. Gorgeous, glowing and graceful, the actress knows how to look pretty in pink and work layers of tulle without coming over all Barbie-fied. And what a style evolution Freida’s been on since - from ‘Slumdog’ to glam starlet, she really is living the dream.
The everyone’s gone Gaga moment
Praised for creating the most influential sound of 2009, Lady Gaga has been on full throttle this year and when it comes to her style, she can always be counted on for sheer dedication to the fashion cause. We admit that initially we saw the popstrel as a second rate Christina Aguilera screwed up on Boombox, especially after she confessed that her style is inspired by ‘strippers and trannies', but as the outfits got more outlandish and the flesh-flashing more risqué, we were hooked on the anticipation of what Lady G would dare to wear next… And when it comes to her red carpet looks, La G continues to channel the boundary-pushing and controversy-courting get-ups that have made her performances so notorious. Just check out this bonkers ensemble that she wore to the MTV VMAs in September, complete with a feathered Keko Hainswheeler neck brace and leather corset belt over her lace Jean Paul Gaultier gown and topped off with a crushed velvet top hat and a ‘Phantom of the Opera’-inspired face mask. Well why not?! So although this is one outfit Grazia won’t try style-jacking, we’ve already added a crystal-encrusted leotard and an oversized hair bow to the top of our Christmas wish list… Fashiontastic!
The va-va-voom moment
What’s the best way to let the world know your man ain’t going nowhere without saying a word? Ramp up your style status by wearing a show-stopping dress of course! That’s exactly what Angelina Jolie did when she arrived in Cannes to remind the world that her and hubby Brad Pitt’s reportedly rocky relationship was still going strong. Step forward this nude Versace Atelier gown complete with sultry chiffon draping and daring thigh-high slit that made an unmistakable statement. We love that this look defies the safe black/beige ensembles Ange has become famous for and although it oozes serious sexiness, the loose waves and bold lips create a touch of old school Hollywood glamour for a softer, feminine edge. So take note ladies because this is the ultimate masterclass in red carpet revenge. Jennifer who?
The cool chic moment
As self-confessed fans, what can we say about Diane Kruger that we haven’t said before? Grazia’s style obsession with the actress is well documented and we often turn to her for dressing directions when we’re in need of some style inspiration. From her colourful Cannes wardrobe to her FROW ensembles, Diane has a great eye for putting outfits together to mix her signature cool with an air of Hollywood glamour. The actress’ first wow moment of ‘09 came at the CFDA Awards when the sartorial star donned a custom-made Jason Wu faille dress. The vibrant colour? Divine. The Swarovski embroidered epaulets? Superb. The Roger Vivier black satin sandals and matching clutch? Absolute perfection. And when your ensemble puts the rest of the fash pack in the shade, you know you’re onto a good thing. Well, we wouldn’t expect anything less from the lady who describes Karl Lagerfeld as “like a dad”! We can’t wait to see what Diane has up her very fashionable sleeve next year…
The magic moment
How much do we want this girl’s wardrobe? Ever since she made the fashion world sit up and take notice when she ditched the wizard cloak and wand to star in the Burberry ad campaigns, Emma Watson has emerged as a leading fashion force. But Team Grazia has been on Watson-watch for quite a while now. Why? Well the 19-year-old actress’ beautiful taste in shapes and silhouettes belies her age and she sure knows how to work high-fashion pieces with confidence – facts that have sealed her fate as one of Karl’s fave girls. But Emma really out did herself earlier this year when she walked the red carpet in London dressed in a floor-sweeping vintage Ossie Clark gown at the ‘Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince’ premiere. We were in absolute awe of this ethereal look and even though the British weather caused an unexpected knicker flash, she handled the mishap with the grace and composure she’s come to epitomise. Spellbinding!
Plus, don't forget to check out the gallery below for more of our favourite fashion moments…
- Jessica Vince
