honoluluadvertiser.com

Sponsored by:

Comment, blog & share photos

Log in | Become a member
The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Monday, September 21, 2009

Fashion-wise, subdued stylishness is the word


By Melissa Magsaysay
Los Angeles Times

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Drew Barrymore arrives in a strapless Monique Lhuillier gown with a Raven Kaufman clutch dyed to match.

CHRIS PIZZELLO | Associated Press

spacer spacer

LEARN MORE:

See more photos of Emmy fashions at

www.HonoluluAdvertiser.com/islandlife

spacer spacer

HOLLYWOOD — The Emmy statuettes weren't the only lithe, gold figures at last night's award show. Celebrities walked the red carpet in varying metallic hues, from warm gold and bronze to shimmery shades of silver and gray. While the look was metallic, it was anything but heavy. Tones were subtle, gown silhouettes were simple and jewelry was noticeably pared down.

In the L.A. heat, a palette of pretty metallics made more sense than a dark, weighty gown that looked as if the wearer would need a wheelbarrow to get from the limo to her seat.

"Mad Men's" Elisabeth Moss donned a bronze, Grecian-inspired, one-shoulder Reem Acra gown that had a beaded silver neckpiece. Drew Barrymore wore the same blush-bronze hue — a strapless Monique Lhuillier confection with a Raven Kaufman clutch dyed to match. Mariska Hargitay opted for a cooler metal, wearing a silver Carolina Herrera gown with a plunging V-neckline.

Many stars chose one-shoulder necklines, a trend that has been ubiquitous since last fall's runways, Michelle Obama's inauguration gown and every awards show since. But this time, the style wasn't simply a matter of one flimsy strap. Some gowns, such as the black sequin number worn by Patricia Arquette, had one angular cap sleeve, an elegant twist on this season's big shoulder trend.

While an asymmetrical neckline doesn't call for a statement necklace, a strapless dress frequently does. Yet, with all of the ladies sporting something strapless, clavicles were left bare. Sandra Oh let her strapless, beaded, gold Marchesa column gown shine on its own, opting not to adorn her neck with jewels as did Heidi Klum (also in Marchesa) who accessorized her black, strapless dress only with black fringe, shoulder-duster earrings and a prominent baby bump.

The men made no loud fashion statements. Maybe it's the "Mad Men" influence that has every guy looking dapper; traditional tuxedos and striking suits ruled the red carpet.