HOLLYWOOD’S top actresses strode down the Golden Globe Awards’ red carpet in colorful gowns on Sunday (January 17), hoping to lift spirits following the deadly tragedy in Haiti and brighten moods under rainy skies.
Many stars, like Nicole Kidman, pinned ribbons of yellow, blue and red to their dresses and tuxedos in a show of support for victims of the massive earthquake that rocked the Caribbean nation last week.
Style insiders said the awards show produced deep and rich colors as stars and designers offered film and television fans Hollywood-style escapism from the realities of economic gloom, heightened terrorism fears and the Haitian quake.
“A lot of people wore color but they were not flamboyant. There was a lot of attention to feminine details and not a lot of va va va boom,” said Cindy Weber Cleary, InStyle Fashion Director, who gave high marks to actress Kate Hudson in her pale structured gown.
Rain fell on the first big awards night of the Hollywood season and soaked the red carpet, a showcase for the entertainment industry’s top talent and a perfect launch pad for designers. But under umbrellas, the A-list celebrities still managed to dazzle.
Sandra Bullock, nominated for two Golden Globes including best actress in a film drama for The Blind Side, wore a deep purple, strapless gown.
“Every single person here has Haiti on their mind,’ said Bullock, who said she chose her purple dress because it “made me feel good.”
Lawrence Zarian, a TV Guide Network fashion expert, said he saw lots of jewels, one shoulder dressing, tighter fitting bodices, flowing skirts and cascading fabrics.
“Sexy, sexy and sexy. Due to the recession, we’re trying to escape more so than ever, and Hollywood is just knocking it out,” he said.
As always, black gowns were out in full-force, on the likes of leading actresses like Julia Roberts and Penelope Cruz.
But Ali Rahimi of Mon Atelier, who designed gowns for Jane Lynch for both the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild awards, said he was glad to see color come out.
“Stars are a little happier about wearing color and recognize it makes them cheerful with all that’s going on in the world,’ he said.
