29 Feb Swan Song (for the 2012 Oscars)

Can we please do away with the Fashion Police, the Worst Dressed Lists and the like? They are killing individuality, creativity and artistic expression on the red carpets of Hollywood. The way these people are lambasted for taking a risk, thinking outside the norm and breaking with tradition is enough to send even the most self-confident among them quivering into oblivion for the rest of their days. Enough with the shredding of individual style, the annihilation of creativity and the perpetuation of a homogenous look that is both beautiful and bland.

Not everything should be judged on beauty – including fashion. What about the interest factor? What about the fact that in my opinion, fashion is and should be a fabulous creative outlet – an expression of one’s personality? About the Oscar’s on Sunday – where was the partnership of Cher and Bob Mackie when we needed them most? Where was that damn swan, for God’s sake? We needed a swan.

For what it’s worth, here is my Best Dressed List from this year’s Academy Awards: Stacey Keibler in Marchesa, Cameron Diaz in Gucci, Tina Fey in Carolina Herrera, Rose Byrne in Vivienne Westwood, Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen, Angelina Jolie in Versace and I thought Meryl Streep looked lovely in her gold Lanvin.

There will be no Worst Dressed list from me and I hope that next year I can put out a Bravery List – my favorite of the Risk Takers.

JS