Making predictions on who will wear what is always a tricky game; the Golden Globes are notoriously difficult to predict. Placed sartorially somewhere between the no-holds-barred glitz of the Oscars and the insouciant glamour of the BAFTAs, the Golden Globes is a ceremony whose tone is definitely open to interpretation. It may be black tie, but a raised hem or a bared midriff is not out of the question.
For newbies, this can be a horrendous prospect: get it wrong, and that photo of you in candyfloss taffeta follows you around for the rest of your career. Get it right and the bar of expectation for the rest of the awards circuit is raised so high, you’re in vertigo territory.
(Felicity Jones wearing Dior Couture, 2014)
Newcomer Felicity Jones, nominated for her role in ‘The Theory of Everything’, is unlikely to experience the taffeta problem. Rapidly becoming one of the fashion world’s favourite people to dress, Jones has already scored on the red-carpet with her repeat appearances in Dior Couture. The retro, dynamic silhouettes from Raf Simons’ collection are difficult to wear – but Jones’ laidback approach serves her well, giving the couture gowns an air of modern sophistication. Her understated but impeccable styling works in tandem with the big-money designs; there is something refreshing about how Felicity wears high fashion: relaxed but respectful. A cool head will prove invaluable during the next few weeks, and I predict Felicity will opt for something with a vintage vibe – this two-piece from Elie Saab’s Pre Fall collection is perfect.
This year, the British contingent will certainly be making their presence felt, with nominees Keira Knightley, Emily Blunt and Rosamund Pike all up for leading and supporting awards. Emily Blunt, nominated for musical ‘Into the Woods’, is not only a red-carpet regular, but one with a very definite red-carpet style. Google Emily’s red-carpet looks and you’ll spot two obvious trends: it has to be form-fitting, and it has to be colourful.
(Emily Blunt wearing Prada, 2014)
Blunt has recently worn a wide range of designers for her press tour including Michael Kors, Dolce & Gabbana and Zuhair Murad. She is rapidly becoming a fashion force to be reckoned with, and her fearless, jump-right-in attitude means we can expect just about anything. My prediction is that she may go simpler for the Golden Globes – this white gown from J Mendel with the draped, plunging back detail has enough impact for Emily, even though it’s a neutral shade (although there is nothing neutral about this daring, photo-bait gown).
(Rosamund Pike wearing Alexander McQueen, 2012)
Rosamund Pike, nominated for her performance in ‘Gone Girl’, is another stylish Brit who is not afraid of being noticed: one of her most notable red-carpet hits was a bright canary yellow Alexander McQueen gown – with cut-outs. Rosamund is a bold risk-taker, and if anyone’s going to have a moment next weekend, I’d be betting on her. Suits have always met with a mixed reception on the red-carpet, and can go horribly wrong – but when tailored to perfection, the look can be nothing short of dazzling. This peplum two-piece by Preen is an example of how red-carpet dressing doesn’t always have to equal fluff and nonsense. Cool, edgy but in a very classic red-carpet shade to anchor it, Rosamund could make headlines if she chooses to take her daredevil style to the next level.
While the Brits are handsomely represented this year, some of the most established names in the business are up for awards – and when it comes to style, they definitely have a home field advantage.
(Emma Stone wearing custom Thakoon, 2014)
Emma Stone, nominated for her supporting role in ‘Birdman’, is the all-American girl who loves old-school European labels. Known for stellar looks in Lanvin, Valentino, Versace and Chanel, Stone is an old-soul when it comes to selecting her red-carpet picks. However, don’t read classic as stuffy – Emma mixes up the heritage pieces with newer designers, and isn’t afraid to adopt a catwalk trend. Her appearance at the Met Gala in an exquisitely-tailored skirt and cropped top by Thakoon was a perfect bringing together of Emma’s appreciation for detail, delivered in a fresh, vibrant way that felt totally occasion appropriate.
I think this look worked so well, it’s worth doing again – this time paying homage to one of the fashion greats. This look from Oscar de la Renta’s final collection would be perfect for Emma: youthful, fun but with a lightness of touch that verges on the ethereal.
(Amy Adams wearing Oscar de la Renta, 2013)
What Amy Adams will wear is somewhat harder to predict, and that, for Adams, is entirely the point. What else can you expect from someone whose roles range from a Disney princess in ‘Enchanted’ to a con artist in ‘American Hustle’? Adams’ film roles keep you on your toes, and this tendency to flip between two extremes also dictates her red-carpet choices.
There are two speeds with Amy’s red-carpet style: you can have slinky, form-fitting glamour (the mermaid silhouette is a favourite), or you can have romantic, beautifully-worked ballgowns. Where Adams succeeds, is where she introduces a little of both – the drama and the romance – and for a gown that delivers on both fronts you can’t go wrong with designer Elie Saab. Saab understands how to create a moment – and this blue, beaded fishtail gown from his latest Couture collection certainly does that. Adams has had particularly good red-carpet moments wearing blue – will she return to this shade for 2015?
(Julianne Moore wearing Tom Ford for YSL Rive Gauche, 2003)
Already being touted as an Oscar contender for her challenging role in ‘Still Alice’, Julianne Moore may see this year become one of her career highlights. Moore loves complex roles, but what is interesting is that despite her status in Hollywood, Julianne takes on her red-carpet duties with good humour and grace. In scanning through her red-carpet looks, it’s hard to find a picture where she isn’t smiling.
Her love of fashion is self-evident: Julianne adores wearing avant-garde labels, particularly ones that aren’t often seen on the red carpet. In doing so, she’s been changing our perceptions of what red-carpet glamour can be – and brands such as Proenza Schouler, Erdem and Vionnet are now becoming as readily familiar as Valentino and Givenchy.
In the spirit of Julianne’s love of new design talent, I have chosen a gown from ‘Project Runway’ winner Christian Siriano. Winning a reality television competition was of course just the beginning, and Siriano has since worked tirelessly to prove himself to the industry. He is now being recognised as a world-class talent, and this gorgeous inky gown from his Pre Fall collection has just the right depth of drama for Julianne.
With the Golden Globes ceremony only a week away (airing on 11 January), the decisions have already been made: the shoes, the jewellery, the make-up – every finishing touch is now complete.
All that remains is to see who seizes their moment in the spotlight – newcomer or more established name – the Golden Globes are notorious for throwing a few curveballs. It is the element of the unknown that makes red-carpet watching so enjoyable – and I for one can’t wait.
HELEN TOPE