red carpet

The most glamorous film festival existent did not disappoint this year, world crisis and all. For twelve days (May 13-24) Cannes was the scene of international art cinema and glamorous style. The movies might have been controversial but the outfits were breathtaking and that was unanimously agreed. Big screen's lovely muses from around the world paraded on the red carpet starting new trends in fashion and beauty. Armani Privé, Atelier Versace and Marchesa couture houses were favored.

Sheer gowns with thigh-high slit wow the audience (men, especially) but simple hair-do, make up and minimal jewelry keep this look lady-like. 

Angelina Jolie in Atelier Versace, Rachel Weisz and Evangeline Lilly, both in Valentino. 

You'd think that in this darker times fashion would be as stark as our new (forced) lifestyles but the red-carpet season just began and already stated an optimistic tone. Come to think of it depression times have been also eras of glamour in terms of fashion statements.

Film awards events including Critics Choice, Golden Globes and SAG were a fashion delight; more colorful than ever, the red carpet was a spring celebration.

Named one of the season's ten most promising newcomers by style.com, designer Joanne Cordero Reyes amazed the fashion world with her fall/winter 2008/09 collection. Her clothing label Vicente Villarin, (named after her grandfather, a talented composer of the early 1900's), is only two season old and has already made its mark.

And the Oscar goes to....the red gown, which was the major hit of this year ceremony. Rich shades of rose and scarlet red made the parade runner fade away. Among other trends spotted, the one-shoulder dress is set to be this spring's highlight while the mermad silhouette, which Marion Cotillard took it literally, was almost everyone's favorite.

Anne Hathaway (Marchesa), Heidi Klum (John Galliano), Helen Mirren (George Chakra) and Katherine Heigl (Escada)

After a short look at this month's red carpet events before the Oscars I can say that glamour has exceeded Hollywood's boundaries.

Keira Knightley (Valentino), Marion Cotillard (Chanel), Emily Blunt (Marc Bouwer) and Kate Hudson (Dior).

For almost two weeks (May 16-27) Cannes Film Festival 2007 was also a runway show bringing up an army of stars on the French coast. The film festival highlighted many of this spring trends but also launched others – my favorite being beautiful draped gowns in golden yellow and silvery grey. Angelina Jolie arrived at “Ocean's Thirteen” premiere dressed in a wonderful canary yellow silk gown by Ungaro Haute Couture. Helen Mirren wowed the crowd once again; she wore a flowing yellow freesia chiffon dress and Bar Rafaeli, Leonardo Di Caprio’s ex girlfriend, looked like a golden goddess.