When we were talking about clotheshorses in our Marion Cotillard article, we meant Diane Kruger. She’s fast becoming better known for looking gorgeous on the red carpet than for any dubious acting talent – but when she does look gorgeous on the red carpet, my does she look gorgeous.
Christian Lacroix (right) – Let’s get Kruger’s miss out the way first. The flowery flounces of this dress are unmistakably Lacroix – but in a bad way. The ruffles over-complicate the neckline and make the shape lumpish, even frumpy (a mean feat when dressing the graceful and svelte Diane). The colour is garish, verging on the putrid and there seems to be some weird sort of tie-die shading going on. Misjudged.
Jason Wu (left) – But maybe it’s a good job Diane’s Golden Globe get-up was so unpleasant because she didn’t half up her game for the SAGs. This may just be the most beautiful dress of all the dresses we feature and Kruger just looks stunning in it. The dress just exudes class (not surprising given the designer is current Michelle Obama favourite, Wu) and with her immaculate make-up (we’re loving the scarlet lips), gorgeous wavy up-do and well-judged accessories, the whole look screams (well, quietly intones) retro Hollywood glamour. And all in that most difficult colour to pull off – mustard yellow. It’s elegant without being boring thanks to the shock of that colour, classy whilst still being sexy thanks to the bare shoulder and flattering lines and overall, just a big W-O-W. How on earth is Kruger going to better this for the Oscars?
Donna Karan (second right) – Diane’s dress for the Critics Choice was surprisingly formal (full-length, slinky, up-do) but works it by making it all look so effortless. The material looks divinely weightless and drapes around Diane’s figure in such an easy, artless way that the gown radiates a relaxed grace. The shimmery off-white/silver colour contributes to this gossamer-light feel more (I almost expect her to float down the red carpet) and Diane’s artfully-dishevelled up-do keeps it low-key. Although it does look a little bit like a negligee.
Herve Leger (second left) – Showing she can work sexy and modern just as naturally as graceful chic, Leger (most famous for his bandage dress, which you’ll recognise from the low-rent copies that litter the skanky, lycra-infested shops Britain is littered with) was the perfect choice for the People’s Choice Awards. The cut gives Diane a figure women would die to have and men would die to molest but she wisely toughens up the look with the black cut-out sandals and matching accessories, whilst the hair is casual sexy rather than all-out sexpot. The overall look is clean, contemporary and cool.
Favourite? – Maybe Diane should just wear the Wu again to The Oscars.
Through The Looking Glass 