FANCY LIVING MAGAZINE. NOV. 2005. P.90

STYLE AND ELEGANCE.                                                                                                              From the Desk of  Jenny Bally

UNITED STATES MOST ELEGANT STARS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photos from L to R: #1. Charlize Theron for her big Oscar win, Theron wisely turned to Tom Ford, hailed for his mastery of sex-charged elegance, and one of his crystal-encrusted creations for Gucci. The glimmering champagne gown -- set off beautifully by the bronzed glow the South African-born actress acquired on a recent Brazilian break -- featured an ultra-low crisscrossed back, swishing train and high front slit. Its sparkles were accompanied by some even more serious bling: "shooting star" drop earrings and a lattice cuff bracelet, courtesy of Chopard. #2. Liv Tyler: In an unusual turn of events, it was a bold choice of no color that made this elf princess stand out on the red carpet. Amid a sea of colors light and bright, Tyler's black Givenchy couture gown certainly turned heads -- as did her funky S-curved hair. Plucked straight off the Paris runways, Liv's open-backed dress fell into a small bustle and train, and certainly lived up to her regal role in the Lord of the Rings films. #3. Scarlett Johansson: After wearing a series of blah beige numbers on the red carpet in recent weeks, Johansson turned up at the Oscars looking like the young Hollywood royalty she is -- in a dazzling aquarium-green silk gown by Alberta Ferretti. Johansson's blonde locks were waved, her famous bee-stung lips painted red, her hourglass figure duly flattered. Her overall look: a winner. #4. Renée Zellweger. Zellweger's collaboration with designer Carolina Herrera bore fruit once again in the ensemble she wore to accept her first Academy Award. The white strapless column was flawlessly fitted to the actress's every curve -- and proved that the extra pounds she's packed on since last year have done nothing but improve her physique for fashion. An intricately constructed geometric train had an organic, obi quality to it and was a stunning addition to the otherwise simple cut.

Photos from L to R: #1. Jennifer Garner: Ever more daring on the red carpet, Garner was a tangerine dream in vintage Valentino (dating back to 1973, almost as old as the actress herself) at the Oscars. The one-shoulder gathered bodice fit like a glove, and the attached satin train worked beautifully. An updo and dangling sparklers completed the look. This is one secret agent who's ready to blow her cover and compete with the most glamorous of the big-screen crowd. #2. Holly Hunter: Who knew tulle could be so sophisticated? Best actress nominee Hunter commemorated her decade-long allegiance to Vera Wang in a stunning pale lavender creation that laid the traditional tutu material over chiffon. A halter neck and intricate open back were stunning -- as was Hunter herself, radiant and sporting loose long blonde waves. #3. Nicole Kidman in a Gaultier. #4. Geena Davis in Escada.

End of the article.