Honorable Mention: Carey Mulligan, Florence Welch, & Ashley Olsen
Who: Carey Mulligan
What: Vionnet Pre-Fall 2010
Where & When: BAFTA Awards in London, February
Why: England’s favorite pixie proved her status as a style maven this year. Elegant and original, this gown was a serious step forward for this A-lister in the making.
Who: Florence Welch
What: Givenchy Fall 2010 couture
Where & When: MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles, September
Why: The front-woman of Florence + the Machine showed she’s more than just a rock goddess – she’s a couture queen. You can’t help but admire the drama of this gold gown and accessories paired with Flo’s shockingly red hair and lips.
Who: Ashley Olsen
What: Erdem Fall 2009
Where & When: In Style/Warner Brothers Golden Globe Awards after-party in Los Angeles, January
Why: The bubble hem, the elbow-length sleeves, the cascading flowers, and that stunning blue color made Ashley a knock-out at the biggest of the Golden Globes after-parties.
Who: Ashley Olsen
What: Alexander McQueen Fall 2006
Where: Art of Elysium charity ball in Los Angeles, January
Why: Just weeks before McQueen’s untimely death, Ashley Olsen reminded us of why we love the luxurious and dramatic looks of the famed designer.
The Label Loyalists: Alexa Chung, Diane Kruger, and Marion Cotillard
Who: Alexa Chung
What: Chanel Spring 2010
Where & When: Elle Style Awards in London, February
Why: Alexa showed off her hipster-chic style with her devotion to all things Chanel.
Who: Alexa Chung
What: Chanel Resort 2011
Where & When: Chanel boutique re-opening in Soho, September
Why: Alexa wisely minimized the accessories with this funky multi-print dress by her favorite designer.
Who: Diane Kruger
What: Jason Wu
Where & When: Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or Closing Ceremony, May
Why: For the Cannes closing ceremony, classic beauty is a must-have. Diane showed that a little bling and a lot of color can go a long way on the red carpet.
Who: Diane Kruger
What: Jason Wu
Where & When: Screen Actors Guild Awards in Hollywood, January
Why: This beautifully draped, one-shouldered mustard yellow gown shows off Diane’s effortless old Hollywood glamour.
Who: Marion Cotillard
What: Christian Dior Resort 2011
Where & When: Paris premiere of Inception, July
Why: You can’t beat a French woman at French fashion, especially in Paris! The black lace, stunning neckline, and voluminous silhouette are proof that sometimes, the French just do it best.
Who: Marion Cotillard
What: Christian Dior Spring 2010
Where & When: Golden Globe Awards in Hollywood, January
Why: Showing a little leg and a lot of style, Marion again represents her home country in an asymmetrical metallic and lace gown by Dior.
The Trend Setters: Kristen Stewart and Keira Knightley
Who: Kristen Stewart
What: Herve Leger by Max Azria Fall 2010
Where & When: Late Show with David Letterman in New York, June
Why: In a victory for grumpy pale girls everywhere, Kristen shows off her porcelain skin and never-ending legs in this one-sleeved modern LBD.
Who: Keira Knightley
What: Chanel Fall 2010 couture
Where & When: Opening night of the BFI London Film Festival, October
Why: Keira’s Chanel dress is revealing – note the sheerness of the neckline, waist, back and sleeves – but still incredibly classy. Proof that a dress strategically cut in all the right places can do wonders, especially on an already beautiful woman.
Best Variety: Cate Blanchett and Emma Watson
Who: Cate Blanchett
What: Alexander McQueen Pre-Fall 2010
Where & When: Opening night of Cannes Film Festival, May
Why: It’s rumored that Cate hand-selected this dramatic gown from the late designer, and she couldn’t have chosen a more unique look. It’s a rare woman who can pull off a black wedding gown with a giant eagle on it, but of course Cate makes it look chic.
Who: Cate Blanchett
What: Armani Prive Spring 2010 Couture
Where & When: Tony Awards in New York, June
Why: Some mocked this so-called Tin Man look, but Cate again proved that she dares to strut outside the box in her sexy silver suit.
Who: Cate Blanchett
What: vintage Christian Lacroix
Where & When: Gala in Beijing, September
Why: The dress speaks for itself. This work of art is one of the most extraordinary gowns I’ve ever seen.
Who: Emma Watson
What: Christopher Kane Fall 2010
Where & When: LONDON showROOMS closing party in New York, March
Why: Pre-pixie cut, Emma shows off her trendy style with this lace and floral dress by the Scottish designer.
Who: Emma Watson
What: Karl Lagerfeld Spring 2010
Where & When: National Movie Awards in London, May
Why: A dress is only as chic as the shoes you pair it with, and those Louboutins are chic as all hell. This sexy dress is just as stylish – notice the peek-a-boo keyhole and the super-short skirt!
Who: Emma Watson
What: custom Burberry
Where & When: Met Costume Institute Gala Benefit in New York, May
Why: At the biggest red carpet fashion event of the year, all eyes were on Emma, in the gown Burberry designer Christopher Bailey made just for her. The chunky black accessories helped keep this look less bridal and more youthful.
Who: Emma Watson
What: custom Calvin Klein
Where & When: New York premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I, November
Why: Shedding Hermione’s longer locks, Emma shows off her fabulous pixie cut and her minimalist style in yet another dress custom-made for her.
The Risk-Taker: Lady Gaga
Who: Lady Gaga
What: custom Armani Prive couture
Where & When: Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, January
Why: There was no bigger fashion risk-taker this year than the artist formerly known as Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, better known to us all as Lady Gaga.
Who: Lady Gaga
What: Alexander McQueen
Where & When: MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles, September
Why: One word: SHOES.
Who: Lady Gaga
What: Franc Fernandez
Where & When: MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles, September
Why: Was there a more talked-about fashion statement this year – or possibly even this decade – than Lady Gaga’s infamous meat dress? More importantly, this outfit led to my favorite Gaga quote of all time: “I never thought I’d be asking Cher to hold my meat purse.”
Super Starlets: Blake Lively, Leighton Meester, and Rachel Bilson
Who: Blake Lively
What: Marchesa Resort 2011
Where & When: Fashion’s Night Out in New York, September
Why: If you’ve got perfect tits and legs for days, all you need is a funky cocktail dress and a ponytail and you’re ready for the biggest event of New York Fashion Week.
Who: Blake Lively
What: Elie Saab Fall 2010
Where & When: Tiffany & Co. event in New York, September
Why: Blake has her finger on the pulse of 2010’s hottest trends: lace, elbow-length sleeves, and flapper-style fringe.
Who: Blake Lively
What: Chanel Fall 2010 Couture
Where & When: Toronto Film Festival, September
Why: This is my idea of a perfect cocktail dress. I love the flower embellishments around her hips, and the ruby-red color of the dress really pops with that red cocktail ring and matching red lipstick.
Who: Leighton Meester
What: Marc Jacobs Resort 2011
Where & When: V Magazine’s New York Issue Party, September
Why: The pink blush on her cheeks matches the pink in the dress – what a genius move by Leighton’s stylist! Blake’s Gossip Girl co-star looks more beautiful than ever in this fabulous springtime number. (Although, is it a trick of the light, or can you see her nipples?)
Who: Rachel Bilson
What: Christian Dior Spring 2010
Where & When: Spike TV Video Game Awards in Los Angeles, December
Why: Nobody does effortless, youthful style quite like Rachel Bilson. Her stylist’s decision to do an ivory underlay was genius – even better than the runway version. And the little bows on those heels? Perfection.
Who: Rachel Bilson
What: Roberto Cavalli Pre-Fall 2010
Where & When: Roberto Cavalli’s 40th Anniversary Party during Paris Fashion Week, September
Why: A sexy, flowing leopard-print gown is a lot of look, but the red purse as the sole accessory is phenomenal. I love Rachel’s street style and casual wear, but with this look she proved that she’s a formal red carpet force to be reckoned with.
The A-Listers: Michelle Obama, Anne Hathaway, Natalie Portman, and Lea Michele
Who: First Lady Michelle Obama
What: Peter Sorensen
Where & When: State Dinner at the White House, May
Why: Who says the FLOTUS can’t be sexy? Hot Mama Obama shows off the famous First Guns in this glamorous gown.
Who: First Lady Michelle Obama
What: Michael Kors
Where & When: Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Phoenix Awards in DC, September
Why: All politics aside, no one can deny that the Obamas are one stylish couple. The First Lady is absolutely glowing in her red halter gown.
Who: First Lady Michelle Obama
What: Naeem Khan
Where & When: Kennedy Center Honors in DC, December
Why: She’s the Jackie O of the 21st century.
Who: Anne Hathaway
What: Antonio Berardi
Where & When: Hollywood premiere of Love & Other Drugs, November
Why: You can always depend on Anne for a classic, beautiful red carpet look. Flawless hair and makeup and the world’s best smile take this chic little dress to a whole new level.
Who: Anne Hathaway
What: Valentino Pre-Fall 2010
Where & When: Met Costume Institute Gala Benefit in New York, May
Why: This photo is the definition of Hollywood glitz and glamour.
Who: Anne Hathaway
What: Oscar de la Renta Spring 2011
Where & When: Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Norway, December
Why: The unique print and silhouette of this one-shouldered gown are stunning. From head to toe, this look is clean, classic, and incredibly beautiful.
Who: Natalie Portman
What: Rodarte
Where & When: Venice Film Festival screening of Black Swan, September
Why: Rodarte designers Laura and Kate Mulleavy created the ballet costumes in Black Swan, so this red carpet shout-out to the label was particularly lovely. As if the film wasn’t garnering enough buzz on its own, Natalie got the world talking about her once again in this jaw-dropping red gown.
Who: Natalie Portman
What: Lanvin
Where & When: Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences Governor’s Awards in Hollywood, November
Why: Natalie’s stylist has been working overtime lately as Natalie promotes Black Swan on every red carpet in the universe. But clearly she’s not losing her touch, because this purple asymmetrical draped gown is simply fabulous. And we all know that best-dressed list without Lanvin is no best-dressed list at all.
Who: Lea Michele
What: Oscar de la Renta Fall 2005
Where & When: Golden Globe Awards in Hollywood, January
Why: The Glee star started the year off with a bang. This gown announced Lea’s status as New Diva on the Block and proved that this pint-sized star is chock full of fabulous.
Who: Lea Michele
What: Catherine Malandrino Spring 2010
Where & When: Screen Actors Guild Awards in Hollywood, January
Why: This gown single-handedly created Lea Michele’s image as a sex symbol. The long, wavy locks, the dramatic makeup, the plunging neckline, the cinched waist, that intriguing green color – every element of this look is perfection.
Who: Lea Michele
What: custom Zac Posen
Where & When: Tony Awards in New York, June
Why: Donning another daring, brilliant color, this Broadway vet absolutely stunned on the Tonys red carpet. Lea’s dress flatters her teensy little figure so beautifully.
Who: Lea Michele
What: Oscar de la Renta Resort 2011
Where & When: Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, August
Why: If ever there was a look that said, “Worship me, bitches! I have ARRIVED!” – it’s this one.
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© Democracy Diva, 2010.
The Democracy Diva 
