Divas and Darlings - CFDA Fashion Awards 2011

Red Carpet Fashion
CFDA Fashion Awards 2011

The CFDA Awards were held in New York this week, where designers were honoured for their exceptional contribution to fashion. Marc Jacobs took home the 'Lifetime Achievement Award', whilst Celine's Phoebe Philo won 'Best International Designer'. 'Womenswear Designer of the Year' was awarded to Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough of Proenza Schouler. The award for best merging womenswear designer went to one of my current favourites, Prabal Gurung.

I get pretty excited about these type of awards shows, as the sole focus is placed on excellence in fashion design. Designers showcase their best designs on their preferred model or actress of choice. It is a celebration of beautiful creations and an appreciation for the art of style. It was impossible to put up pictures of all the outfits, but I have posted the most impactful looks from the evening. This is red carpet fashion at its best. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

The Supermodels

Dutch model Doutzen Kroes wore a raspberry red one-sleeve gown by J Mendel. Czech export Karolina Kurkova dons a shimmery fern green wrap dress by Diane von Furstenberg. The hoodie is an interesting touch but those strappy heels have got to go. Czech model Hana Soukopova wears an embellished off-white gown with asymmetrical frilled hem by Marchesa. This reminds me of Halle Berry's Oscar 2011 dress. Australian model Miranda Kerr looks gorgeous in a slinky black cut-out gown by Michael Kors. Head to toe, this look is perfection. Brazil's Alessandra Ambrosio is beautiful in a red v-neck Prabal Gurung gown.

Precious Pearls

Pearl tones were a major trend on the purple carpet. American Italian model Elettra Wiedemann wore a wispy chiffon pleated gown by J Mendel. French beauty Anais Mali wore a creamy satin dress with sheer long-sleeves by Sophie Théallet. Katie Cassidy was sweetly simple in an embroidered dress with uneven hemline by Iranian born designer Behnaz Sarafpour. Victoria's Secret model Angela Bellotte is celestial in a white low-neck gown Grecian gown. Whitney Port chose an ivory Pamella Roland dress with floral beading on the shoulder.

Bright Young Things

Ashley Greene wore a neon pink and black mini by Michael Kors. She seems underdressed for this event. Tunisian model Kenza Fourati wears a billowing maxi dress by Marc Bouwer. The sapphire blue colour works incredibly with her skin tone. Emmanuelle Chriqui is a spectacular sight in David Meister. She chose a citron yellow strapless mini with chiffon train. Love the pairing of the purple bejeweled Manolo Blahniks. Chanel Iman chose a kaftan-style keyhole gown in sea green by Max Azria. Mum-to-be Jessica Alba wore a salmon and mauve ensemble by Diane von Furstenberg.

Black and White

Kirsten Dunst took on the menswear trend in Patrik Ervell. The styling is too stuffy. Chloe Sevigny wore an unusual combination of black leather and white lace from her Opening Ceremony line. I don't like those slipper-like shoes. Leelee Sobieski also chose a masculine suit, hers by Adam Kimmel. It may be classy for the office, not a fashion gala. 90210's Shenae Grimes is dressed in a lace corset and black trousers by Rebecca Taylor. Ethiopian supermodel Liya Kebede chose a halter-neck black and white dress by Derek Lam.

Dismally Disillusioned

Namibian model Behati Prinsloo wears a shaded blue mess - there's a difference between 'vintage' and 'antique'. I'm not fond of Liv Tyler's Proenza Schouler outfit because of the kaleidoscope/lego print. Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen wear their own line, The Row mixed with some Chanel. I really don't get these two, they are the only ones carrying large satchels with evening wear. Actress Amber Heard wears a sheer beige overlay dress. The black embroidered bodice looks like a nasty rash and the shoes and belt don't add up. Marcia Cross looks fantastic for her age but this sparkly grey Pamella Roland jumpsuit just isn't inappropriate.

Somebody Call 911

The fashion police have to be alerted about these looks. Socialite Julie Macklowe has been swallowed by a slimy green swamp. Why would someone make this dress? British heiress Daphne Guinness's look is incohesive. She overstyled what was an elegant mini dress by Abed Mahfouz. I always mistaken Lady Gaga for a drag queen. Must be the hair, or the makeup, or the dress or the monster heels, or everything.